Hurricane Douglas is bearing down on Hawaii and Tropical Storm Hanna could bring flooding to Texas.
The first hurricane to threaten the United States since the start of the coronavirus pandemic is bearing down on Hawaii. Meanwhile, two storms are churning in the Atlantic and one could cause significant flooding in the Gulf Coast.
Late Thursday, in the Pacific, Hurricane Douglas was 1,025 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and packing maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. It’s expected to weaken as it passes over cooler water but meteorologists warn strong winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous surf could afflict the entire state beginning on Sunday.
The storm approaches as Hawaii is grappling with increasing COVID-19 numbers. On Thursday, the state reported 55 newly confirmed cases, its highest single-day increase since the pandemic began.
Unlike other hurricane-prone states like Florida where residents pile into cars to evacuate when storms approach, it’s impractical to leave Hawaii to get away from a storm. Shelter space is also limited. So, as is typical, local authorities are urging most people to shelter at home if they can. Those living in homes built according to code after 1995 should be « pretty good to go, » said John Cummings, the public information office for Honolulu Emergency Management,
He recommended staying with friends and family if home isn’t safe.
