According to Mayor Harry Kim and Civil Defense officials, as of 5:30pm today the Central Pacific Hurricane Center has been tracking Hurricane Jimena.
At 2pm this afternoon (8/30/03) the hurricane was located approximately 660 miles east southeast of Hilo and moving westerly at 18 miles-per-hour. Maximum sustained winds were measured near 105 miles-per-hour with some higher gusts.
For those tracking the storm it is at lattitude 17.6 north and 145.3 west longitude.
Due to the position, strength, and movement of Hurricane Jimena the following advisories have been issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the island of Hawaii as of 2pm today (8/30/03). A Hurricane Watch means that their is a possibility of hurricane conditions of strong winds, high surf, and heavy rains occurring anytime within 36 hours.
A high surf advisory is also in effect for the east and southeast shores of Hawaii island. The National Weather Service forcast surf to begin building late tonight and reach heights of approximately 8 to 12 feet by Sunday afternoon. This is especially for shores in Puna and Kona.
Due to the Hurricane Watch status and high surf advisory the following safety measures and recommendations are now in effect. Due to the potential hazards of dangerous surf and unpredictability of surf heights and arrival times, the following advisories are in effect for the coastal areas of Puna and Ka'u between Kumukahi Point and South Point. Beachfront residents are asked to be on alert and leave if their is any danger or are advised to evacuate. Residents are asked to keep alert and complete neccassary precautions tonight. All beachfront activities should be canceled until the danger passes.
As a precaution all beach parks in the Ka'u and Puna districts will be closed and remain closed until further notice.
Boaters are advised to stay out of the waters and secure their craft before any hazards arrise.
Their is a special caution for campers in the Pohiki area. Do expect dangerous surf conditions to begin late tonight and continue thru tomorrow. The area will be closed by officials sometime early tomorrow morning.
