Hawaiʻi County Reminds Residents to Prepare for Storm Season as Hurricane Fausto Approaches
The County of Hawaiʻi is reminding residents that there’s still time to prepare for tropical cyclone season as Hurricane Fausto approaches the state.
If Fausto stays on its expected course, it could bring high winds, hazardous surf and rain to parts of Hawai‘i as early as Monday night.
Emergency personnel are monitoring the storm, which is expected to weaken as it continues moving toward the state. At 11 a.m. Friday, Fausto was about 1,460 miles east of Hilo and moving west at 15 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
“We’re keeping an eye on the system and will provide updates as we learn more about its track,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “The storm is also a good reminder to make sure that you and your family are prepared this hurricane season.”
Residents can take the following steps to limit damage from storms and keep themselves safe:
- Make a plan for how to shelter at home or move to safe shelter before a storm arrives. Discuss it with your family.
- Check around your home and trim vegetation that could be downed by wind and cause damage.
- Clear any debris that may block water from flowing around drainage areas.
- Make sure you have emergency food, water and medication for everyone in your household (including pets). Be ready for power outages.
- Sign up for Civil Defense emergency alerts at bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.
“The forecast this season is for more tropical cyclone activity than a normal year, and the wet spring caused heavy vegetation growth, which resulted in more fuel and higher wildfire risk as the summer proceeds,” said Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno. “Now is a good time to make sure you are prepared for a hurricane, and if you live in a fire-prone area, assure you have taken steps to reduce your risk.”
