Hurricane Hector: Hawaii Coast Guard braces for IMPACT by imposing tropical storm measures

The port’s Coast Guard captain has set the measure in anticipation of Hurricane Hector.

All transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in place.

The port condition means tropical force winds, 39mph or higher, are possible within 72 hours.

The Hawaii Coast Guard issued the warning because “winds, 39 mph or higher, are possible” in less than 3 days, it said.

In a new release, the Guard said: ”Pleasure craft operators are advised to seek safe harbour.

“The Coast Guard recommends port facility managers review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to prepare for the anticipated conditions adequately.

“Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.”

Currently, Hector’s centre is expected to pass south of Hawaii Island, but tropical storm-force winds extend outward over 100 miles from the storm’s eye, and officials want everyone to be prepared.

The Coast Guard said Whiskey meant all commercial vessels, those larger than 200 tonnes, should plan to get out of the port.

Vessels bound for the Ports of Hilo and Kawaiihae, unable to depart 24 hours before threatening winds making landfall, are advised to seek an alternate destination, the Coast Guard added.

Additional safety measures for boaters include staying off the water, securing belongings and staying clear of beaches.

If the path or intensity of Hector changes, port conditions will also change.

The Coast Guard will keep mariners informed via Marine Safety Information Bulletins if anything changes.

Higher levels of readiness for mariners include X-Ray, Yankee, and Zulu.

The US Coast Guard uses a system of port conditions ranging from Whiskey to Zulu to inform ship operators how to respond to impending tropical weather conditions.

Port condition Whiskey is put in place when gale force winds are expected to arrive at the port within 72 hours, meaning Hector’s appearance is predicted to be imminent.

Under condition Whiskey, the port remains open to all commercial traffic, but oceangoing ships and barges must state their intention to remain in port or depart.

If oceangoing vessels are departing, they must do so within 12 hours of gale-force winds.