Categorized | Hurricane, News, Weather

Hurricane Miriam enters the Central Pacific

Central Pacific Infrared Images for August 30, 2018 (archived animated gif)

Central Pacific Infrared Images for August 30, 2018 (archived animated gif)

At 5 p.m. HST (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Miriam was located near latitude 14.4 North, longitude 140.6 West. Miriam is moving toward the west near 8 mph (13 km/h). A turn toward the northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected tonight, followed by a turn toward the north on Friday that will continue into Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. Miriam is expected to begin weakening on Friday as it encounters strong upper-level winds and cooler waters.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches).

The forecast anticipates that Miriam will be in an environment conducive for modest strengthening for the next 24 hours or so, with shear near 10 kt and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) near 28C. The forecast track toward the north will take Miriam over cooler waters thereafter, with SSTs below 26C by 72 hours. Southwesterly shear is expected to increase to near 30 kt in 48 hours and to 40 kt in 72 hours, and Miriam is expected to degenerate into a remnant low by day four. The official intensity forecast follows trends presented by the multi-model consensus and SHIPS.

Actions to take when a tropical storm or hurricane nears Hawaii

All of Hawaii’s citizens should know what to do during a hurricane, tropical storm watches and warnings. Watches and warnings are prepared for the Hawaiian Islands by the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. When watches and warnings are issued, people should closely monitor the Internet, radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the storm’s progress and instructions from civil defense authorities. Jim Weyman, director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said, “Although you and your family may have never experienced a hurricane, don’t be complacent! It’s not a matter of if a hurricane will occur, but when one will occur. All of the Hawaiian Islands are at risk for a hurricane and we should all know what actions to take.”

For the Central Pacific Ocean a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 48 hours.

When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch is issued:

  • Fuel and service family vehicles.
  • Prepare to cover all windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials.
  • Check food and water supplies. Have clean, air-tight containers on hand to store at least two weeks of drinking water (14 gallons per person), and stock up on canned provisions. Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.
  • Check prescription medicines – obtain at least 10-14 day supply.
  • Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns.
  • Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools.
  • Check and replenish first-aid supplies.
  • Have on hand an extra supply of cash.
  • Read the Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual for recommended precautions to protect your boat prior to a storm.

For the Central Pacific Ocean a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours.

When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued:

  • Follow instructions issued by civil defense. Leave immediately if ordered to do so.
  • Complete preparation activities, such as boarding up windows and storing loose objects.
  • Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding. If evacuating, leave early.
  • Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
  • Read the Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual for recommended precautions to protect your boat prior to a storm.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) issues tropical cyclone warnings, watches, advisories, discussions, and statements for all tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific from 140 Degrees West Longitude to the International Dateline. The season officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. However, tropical cyclones can occur at any time. The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Honolulu activates the CPHC when: (1) a tropical cyclone moves into the Central Pacific from the Eastern Pacific, (2) a tropical cyclone forms in the Central Pacific, or (3) a tropical cyclone moves into the Central Pacific from the West.

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

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