Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2018

HURRICANE HECTOR EXPECTED TO PRODUCE HIGH SURF ON STATE’S EAST-FACING SHORES

HONOLULU — The National Weather Service (NWS) briefed Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), local emergency management and civil defense agencies, and federal and state partners this morning about Hurricane Hector, which has reached Category 4 strength.

The center of the system is currently located approximately 850 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving west at 15 mph. Forecasters expect Hector to move west-northwest for the next two days. However, the exact timing of the anticipated turn is somewhat uncertain at this stage.

High surf is expected to impact east-facing shores of Hawaii Island and East Maui, with heights building today through Tuesday and peaking Tuesday night/Wednesday. Surf may reach 15 to 20 feet.

HI-EMA and its partners continue to closely monitor the storm, and recommend the following precautions to the public as Hurricane Hector remains in the Central Pacific:

• Listen to ocean safety officials and exercise caution if entering the water as high surf messages are issued.
• Read the Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual for recommended precautions to protect your boat prior to a storm at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/files/2013/04/web-final_hurricaneboatersmanual_7-01-13.pdf

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Media Contact:
Arlina Agbayani
Public Relations Officer
808-620-5423
[email protected]