The Big Island and Maui are under a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm, formerly Hurricane, Guillermo made its way through the Pacific.
Guillermo, as of 5 p.m. Hawaii time, was circulating 65 mph winds and moving toward the northwest at 10 mph, according to Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters. The storm was about 550 miles east-southeast of Hilo at 5 p.m.
Steady weakening is forecast during the next couple of days as the storm nears the island, however, it is expected to remain a tropical storm. The current forecast track has the center of Guillermo passing about 140 miles northeast of the Big Island on Wednesday.
Forecaster Chris Brenchley said that, although the track shows the storm missing the island, there remains a chance it could head toward the island. Just because the center of the storm may miss the island, there could still be strong surf, gusty winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms, he said.
“Although Tropical Storm Guillermo shows signs of weakening, we strongly encourage residents and visitors to prepare themselves and their families for potential severe weather,” said Doug Mayne, administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, in a press release. “There is some uncertainty associated with weather forecasting, so we need to plan for the worst and hope for the best.”
Forecasters said that people in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Guillermo. NOAA said Guillermo is already producing rough surf along east-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands.
National and state organizations were providing advisories, closing areas and otherwise preparing for whatever the storm brings.
The HEMA advised people to check in with local media to ensure they are up to date. They also warned against driving through fast-moving water, especially if the depth is unclear.
The Coast Guard had several warnings for mariners and the general public, including obeying the instructions of lifeguards.
“Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and currents caused by storms,” they wrote in a press release.
Boaters also have a special source of information, the Coast Guard wrote.
“Boaters can monitor the progress of the storms on VHF channel 16. Small craft advisories and warnings are also broadcast on VHF channel 16,” the wrote.
Those people owning boats should secure their boats and equipment. Large boat owners are advised to take the vessels into protected marinas where they are less likely to be damaged. Smaller boats may need to be pulled from the water and taken to areas not prone to flooding.
The National Park Service will close all backcountry trails in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Mauna Loa Road from Kipukapuaulu to the Mauna Loa Lookout, and the Namakanipaio Campgrounds and A-frame cabins, will close at the same time. The visitor centers, restrooms, lava tube, front-country trails, steam vents and other features will remain open.
This is not it for storm season, NOAA said.
Forecasters called for a busier Central North Pacific hurricane season this year thanks in part to El Nino. Projected climate conditions point to an above-normal hurricane season for the Central North Pacific basin, an area located north of the equator spanning from 140 degrees west longitude to the International Date Line.
At the onset of the season, Central Pacific Hurricane Center officials predicted five to eight tropical cyclones — a category that includes tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes — would pass through the basin this year.
The center also forecast a 70 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 25 percent chance of normal season and a 5 percent chance of a below-normal season, Evans said.
The Central Pacific hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30. The Central Pacific sees an average of four to five tropical cyclones in its waters a year.
Get more hurricane-related content, including preparation tips, evacuation info and daily tropical weather updates, on our hurricane season page, sponsored by Clark Realty, at www.westhawaiitoday.com/hurricane-season-2015.