Hawaii state officials prepare as two hurricanes: Iselle and Julio make way toward their sunny shores for the first time in 22 years. State officials told residents and tourists to prepare and not panic for the incoming weather expected Thursday evening.
The last hurricane to touch down on Hawaii in 1992 was Hurricane Iniki. If both Iselle and Julio reach the shores of Hawaii then the 22-year hurricane streak would be broken.
As of Thursday morning, weather officials predicted Hurricane Iselle is a category 1 on track toward the islands with Hurricane Julio, recently upgraded category 2, rapidly behind. The twin storms would mean that Hawaii will be directly hit twice in the same week – a new record for the state.
Hurricane Iselle was expected to weaken from a Category 3 but on Wednesday the hurricane’s winds increased to 90mph and maintained a speed of 20MPH. Both hurricanes are expected to weaken again as they make landfall.
Weather officials say the biggest threat will be heavy rainfall and winds to buildings, structures and crops on the islands. Tropical cyclones and flash flooding might be seen in areas where the hurricanes.
Many residents and tourists have started to prepare with bottles of water and dry supplies barely stocked on shelves. Hawaii residents were advised to prepare for at least seven days. Shoppers stood in lines for hours at the supermarket waiting to check out supplies.
Hawaii has announced school closures and airport delays possibly throughout next week. United, American, Hawaiian and Delta Airlines have agreed to waive fees and in some cases flight change fees. Travelers with incoming flights next week are advised to check with their airline carrier to determine if those fees can be waived.
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