MOSCOW, August 6 (RIA Novosti) - A hurricane and a tropical storm on Wednesday were reported to be heading west across the Pacific Ocean toward the tourist hub of Hawaii. Officials meanwhile announced school closures and warned visitors and residents about the approaching storms, Reuters reports.
Meteorologists forecast a surge in sea levels up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) and flooding, as hurricane Iselle was mapped about 860 miles (1,384 km) east of Hilo, on the Island of Hawaii. It was reported to be moving west-northwest at 13 miles per hour (21 km per hour) with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (161 kph), Reuters cited the National Hurricane Center as saying Wednesday.
Residents were stocking up on basic goods as authorities in Honolulu strongly recommended them to get ready with emergency supply kits, enough for seven days of storms.
A hurricane is a rare disaster in Hawaii. The state was washed over by Hurricane Flossie in 2007, which resulted in 20-foot (6-meter) waves but little damage. Back in 2009 hurricane Neki did minor damage to a marine national monument northwest of the islands.
In 1992, hurricane Iniki swept through the island of Kauai, killing six people and causing damages estimated at $2.4 billion.
