NWS forecasters predict ‘below average’ Central Pacific hurricane season, but urge preparedness

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is predicting a “below average” season for cyclone activity, but officials stressed it only takes one storm to do significant damage.

The center said the Central Pacific is expected to see two to four tropical cyclones this season.

The hurricane season in the Central Pacific runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

The outlook is meant to give residents an idea of how busy the Central Pacific hurricane season will be for tropical cyclones, which include tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes.

Hurricane Preparedness in Hawaii

A look at tropical cyclones that have impacted Hawaii over the years

Preparing your home for a hurricane should happen before the storm nears

Levels of alert: The difference between a hurricane watch and warning

Here’s everything you should have in your emergency hurricane supply kit

Earlier this month, officials marked Hurricane Preparedness Week and underscored the importance of gathering the necessary provisions before the season begins.

“It just takes one storm to devastate a community and affect your life,” Gov. David Ige said.

Special Section: HNN HURRICANE CENTER

National Weather Service meteorologist John Bravender echoed the message, saying weather officials are worried about the public becoming complacent.

“We tried to tell them we’ve been lucky but it’s just the training, trying to repeat that message and keep people from becoming too complacent,” he said.

In 2020, Hurricane Douglas was a close call for Hawaii.

It grew into a powerful Category 4 hurricane and forecast models had it passing right over the state. It eventually missed the islands by just a few dozen miles. Although Douglas did not make landfall, it was the closest hurricane to pass Oahu to the north since official record keeping began in the 1950s.

FULL OUTLOOK REPORT:

Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.