US: Hurricane Douglas intensifies into Category 4 hurricane as it approaches Hawaii July 23

Event

On the evening of Thursday, July 23, Hurricane Douglas intensified into a Category 4 major hurricane (fourth on a five-tier scale), with winds increasing to more than 210 kph (130 mph) as it approaches the islands of Hawaii. The hurricane is currently 1600 km (1000 miles) from the island chain, and is expected to decrease in intensity from Friday, July 24, before making landfall late on Saturday, July 25, or early on Sunday, July 26. The storm is expected to remain at hurricane intensity as a Category 1 when it nears Big Island and Maui, before weakening to a tropical storm near Oahu and Kauai. Ocean swells are forecast to affect Hawaii from Saturday, causing life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Strong winds, heavy rainfall and associated flooding, and dangerous seas are likely to affect Hawaii until Monday, July 27. Associated disruptions to transportation, power, communications, and business are to be expected in the near term.  

Advice

Those in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and avoid walking or driving through floodwater.