HONOLULU — The public is advised to prepare for the onset of upcoming heavy weather expected to generate extreme sea conditions and high surf throughout the state as Tropical Storm Ela passes north of the Main Hawaiian Islands.
Mariners and beachgoers should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through newspapers, the internet, local television and radio stations. Boaters can monitor the progress of the storms on VHF channel 16. Small craft advisories and warnings are also broadcast on VHF channel 16.
Visitors to Hawaii should heed all warnings from lifeguards and public health and safety officials. Although weather conditions may be good, rip tides and high surf may impact beaches far in advance of the actual storm. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and currents caused by storms. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe. Water conditions can also become contaminated due to runoff for several days following a storm.
A PDF version of the Hawai'i Boater's Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual can be found at the following link: http://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/sites/seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/files/p....
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.