HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is urging the public to prepare for the onset of heavy weather expected to impact the Hawaiian Islands, Wednesday.
Currently, Hurricane Madeline has maximum winds of 100 mph and is expected to generate high surf throughout the Main Hawaiian Islands.
Mariners and beachgoers should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through newspapers, the internet and local television, radio stations and official accounts on social media. Boaters can monitor the progress of the storm on VHF channel 16. Small craft advisories and warnings are also broadcast on VHF channel 16.
The Coast Guard is working closely with local and state first responder agencies. Once the storm begins to impact the islands, emergency responders may not be able to assist those in danger. The public is urged to heed all evacuation orders. Mariners should seek safe harbor and shelter.
Additionally, mariners should secure their boats and boating equipment. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to protected marinas where they will be less likely to break free of their moorings or to be otherwise damaged. Smaller boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding and is protected from high winds. Regardless of location, all loose items aboard vessels should be secured or removed.
Visitors to Hawaii should heed all warnings from lifeguards and public health and safety officials. Although weather conditions may appear favorable, rip tides and high surf may impact beaches far in advance of the actual storm. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to strong storm-generated waves and currents. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe. Near-shore waters may become contaminated due to runoff for several days following a storm.
Media interested in conducting interviews with the Coast Guard regarding preparations for the impending storms should contact the Coast Guard 14th District public affairs office at 808-525-3230.
A PDF version of the Hawai'i Boater's Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual can be found at the following link: http://seagrant.noaa.gov/SeaGrantSearch/TabId/526/ArtMID/3568/ArticleID/....
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.