Hurricane Iselle heading for Hawaii
Aug 4th, 2014, 05:46 PM
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Hurricane Iselle heading for Hawaii
Just found out that there's a good chance that Hurricane Iselle will be hitting Hawaii on my arrival day this Thursday!!! What terrible luck!
I did buy travel insurance for my flights but don't have much experience on what airlines typically due when there's impeding bad weather. I'm flying from the Midwest so do have layovers on the West coast. I'm having nightmares of being stuck in an airport for hours... Even when I finally get to Maui, I'm worried that my entire vacation will be washed out!
Any advice from experienced travelers out there?
I did buy travel insurance for my flights but don't have much experience on what airlines typically due when there's impeding bad weather. I'm flying from the Midwest so do have layovers on the West coast. I'm having nightmares of being stuck in an airport for hours... Even when I finally get to Maui, I'm worried that my entire vacation will be washed out!
Any advice from experienced travelers out there?
Aug 4th, 2014, 06:15 PM
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Hopefully you won't be stuck in an airport. Usually if your flight will be directly impacted by the hurricane your airline will give you the option to change the flight right beforehand...hopefully your airline will be nice and allow you to do it earlier. Do you have lodging already pre-paid? Maybe they will be understanding if your flight arrives a day late or so due to the weather.
On a side note, it's funny because about 11 years ago I planned a trip with my then-boyfriend-now-husband to Grenada in October 2003, then a week before our trip, Hurricane Ivan devastated the island...there was nothing we could do and the airport was closed to any tourists...after a long haggle with Delta representatives and lots of "let me speak to your manager"s - we got our flight changed to any destination...and we picked Oahu. We ended up having the time of our lives and that really got us on our Hawaii "kick" although it was years later that we could afford another trip there.
If you don't get a response by calling your airline, just send them a public tweet - social media works magic especially when you want to rant...
Good luck and stay safe!
On a side note, it's funny because about 11 years ago I planned a trip with my then-boyfriend-now-husband to Grenada in October 2003, then a week before our trip, Hurricane Ivan devastated the island...there was nothing we could do and the airport was closed to any tourists...after a long haggle with Delta representatives and lots of "let me speak to your manager"s - we got our flight changed to any destination...and we picked Oahu. We ended up having the time of our lives and that really got us on our Hawaii "kick" although it was years later that we could afford another trip there.
If you don't get a response by calling your airline, just send them a public tweet - social media works magic especially when you want to rant...
Good luck and stay safe!
Aug 5th, 2014, 03:32 PM
#3
From what I'm reading, the storm will likely hit Thursday night. Friday will be heavy rain and wind. Depending how bad it is, there could be flooding. But unless something changes, there shouldn't be a severe impact--and the weather looks mostly good after that. Tropical storm Julio isn't far behind, but should only cause part of one day to be rainy.
The danger is that it could veer and the island takes a direct hit. The property manager told me that's what happened with Iniki in '91. He suggested I stock up on water and staples--and fill my gas tank as a precaution. I will .... but I'm optimistic!!! It could veer in the other direction.
I hope you have a great trip--cause that means, I will, too! ;-)
The danger is that it could veer and the island takes a direct hit. The property manager told me that's what happened with Iniki in '91. He suggested I stock up on water and staples--and fill my gas tank as a precaution. I will .... but I'm optimistic!!! It could veer in the other direction.
I hope you have a great trip--cause that means, I will, too! ;-)
Aug 5th, 2014, 08:24 PM
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United is allowing changes for travel August 7, 2014 - August 8, 2014. Check with your airline.
www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/news/Pages/travelnotices.aspx?v_ctrk=HHLN$0-772-6774-1-4884
Good luck. I've been in your situation trying to figure out what to do and had to cancel a trip to Cancun when Hurricane Wilma hit on the day of our planned arrival. I ended up heading to the national parks in Utah. Best wishes!
www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/news/Pages/travelnotices.aspx?v_ctrk=HHLN$0-772-6774-1-4884
Good luck. I've been in your situation trying to figure out what to do and had to cancel a trip to Cancun when Hurricane Wilma hit on the day of our planned arrival. I ended up heading to the national parks in Utah. Best wishes!
Aug 6th, 2014, 08:29 AM
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How long will you be in Hawaii? If it's only a week, and you can cancel without a big cost to you...I would cancel.
Roads will be flooded, and closed. There will be power outages. Outbound flights out will be cancelled, and all those visitors will have to stay somewhere. Incoming flights and ships will be affected. The shelves are probably already empty at Safeway and Costco, and restaurants will be running low too.
Call your airline and see what they plan to do. If *they* cancel due to weather, you lose nothing. An airline isn't allowed to let you start a trip with connections if they don't believe you will reach your destination. (I'm presuming you are flying on a single ticket...all flights on one ticket.)
Roads will be flooded, and closed. There will be power outages. Outbound flights out will be cancelled, and all those visitors will have to stay somewhere. Incoming flights and ships will be affected. The shelves are probably already empty at Safeway and Costco, and restaurants will be running low too.
Call your airline and see what they plan to do. If *they* cancel due to weather, you lose nothing. An airline isn't allowed to let you start a trip with connections if they don't believe you will reach your destination. (I'm presuming you are flying on a single ticket...all flights on one ticket.)
Aug 6th, 2014, 10:39 AM
#6
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weathe...t-haw/31586142
Per Accuweather:
There is the potential for significant flash flooding, mudslides and damaging wind gusts. Ground access to some communities could be cut off.
"Tropical storm-force winds will cause at least scattered power failures on the islands, including in the City of Honolulu," said Mike Smith, senior vice president of AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions.
Smith stated that based on the current forecast path and strength of Iselle, lengthy power outages are possible on the Big Island (Hawaii)."Multiple roads could be washed out on the Big Island, Oahu and Lanai," Smith said.
This is a worst-case scenario. Notice it says there is “potential” for these events--and that Kauai is not mentioned in the part about roads washing out -- because it is expected to have less of an impact on Kauai.
There is also "potential" that the storm will weaken or veer – and will have minimal impact on Kauai. The Big Island will be hit hardest—and the potential for flooding on Kauai is primarily to the East Coast.
If your schedule allows you to reschedule, I would. I’m stocking up and taking precautions because it’s better to be safe than sorry. But … I’m optimistic.
FYI, I was here during a tsunami alert in October 2012 when Hanalei and the east coast were evacuated. People were panicking. My neighbour was literally hysterical—dictating her will via cell phone. Planes swooped low with “evacuation announcements” and I received an automated call from an emergency management agency. Twenty minutes before the scheduled arrival, the radio announced, “If you’re in a car – abandon it and run inland.” Another neighbour was demonstrating the “proper” technique to hug a tree in order to prevent being thrashed with debris and swept out to sea.
The tsunami wave was 6 inches tall, barely noticeable—and causing no impact whatsoever.
I reiterate, “Better safe than sorry,” and I am taking all the recommended precautions. But I’m also tempering it with the reality that this may not be nearly as bad as feared.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.
Per Accuweather:
There is the potential for significant flash flooding, mudslides and damaging wind gusts. Ground access to some communities could be cut off.
"Tropical storm-force winds will cause at least scattered power failures on the islands, including in the City of Honolulu," said Mike Smith, senior vice president of AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions.
Smith stated that based on the current forecast path and strength of Iselle, lengthy power outages are possible on the Big Island (Hawaii)."Multiple roads could be washed out on the Big Island, Oahu and Lanai," Smith said.
This is a worst-case scenario. Notice it says there is “potential” for these events--and that Kauai is not mentioned in the part about roads washing out -- because it is expected to have less of an impact on Kauai.
There is also "potential" that the storm will weaken or veer – and will have minimal impact on Kauai. The Big Island will be hit hardest—and the potential for flooding on Kauai is primarily to the East Coast.
If your schedule allows you to reschedule, I would. I’m stocking up and taking precautions because it’s better to be safe than sorry. But … I’m optimistic.
FYI, I was here during a tsunami alert in October 2012 when Hanalei and the east coast were evacuated. People were panicking. My neighbour was literally hysterical—dictating her will via cell phone. Planes swooped low with “evacuation announcements” and I received an automated call from an emergency management agency. Twenty minutes before the scheduled arrival, the radio announced, “If you’re in a car – abandon it and run inland.” Another neighbour was demonstrating the “proper” technique to hug a tree in order to prevent being thrashed with debris and swept out to sea.
The tsunami wave was 6 inches tall, barely noticeable—and causing no impact whatsoever.
I reiterate, “Better safe than sorry,” and I am taking all the recommended precautions. But I’m also tempering it with the reality that this may not be nearly as bad as feared.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.
Aug 6th, 2014, 02:17 PM
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We've been in South Maui a couple of times in winter when floods have closed the main drag (Kihei Road), but only north of our condo. We were never isolated -- could always get up to Piilani Hwy. Coastal homes and condos were flooded out. Cleanups were so fast that arriving tourists really couldn't see a problem. We *used* to have a few power outages, but not for years. This may be different.
Last winter produced huge amounts of rain, and we had high winds for several days straight. Access to Upcountry Kula was flooded out for a couple of days. Mainland weathermen were busy talking about the SNOW at home.
Our condo complex is built on a low rise, and we are midway up it. Even the buildings nearest Kihei Road are not in tsunami zone. We've never evacuated for those warnings.
Nobody wants damaging winds, but I hope these storms *keep moving* at a good clip. We don't want them to stall and keep the rain coming for days.
Last winter produced huge amounts of rain, and we had high winds for several days straight. Access to Upcountry Kula was flooded out for a couple of days. Mainland weathermen were busy talking about the SNOW at home.
Our condo complex is built on a low rise, and we are midway up it. Even the buildings nearest Kihei Road are not in tsunami zone. We've never evacuated for those warnings.
Nobody wants damaging winds, but I hope these storms *keep moving* at a good clip. We don't want them to stall and keep the rain coming for days.
Aug 6th, 2014, 02:46 PM
#8
FYI, I'm just back from the Foodland in Princeville. The shelves were full. The only thing they were running low on was bottled water. I bought (35) bottles and a few half gallon bottles of juices!!! But I'd planned to put bottles of water in my weddings guests' condos anyway -- as part of a welcome/goody bag.
Let's keep our fingers crossed!!!
Let's keep our fingers crossed!!!
Aug 7th, 2014, 09:40 AM
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The stores here are well used to the run on water, toilet paper, rice, batteries and Spam (sort of kidding but not really) whenever a storm or hurricane is coming. Some items may be low on stock but the shelves will not be empty (unless we have extended power outages, but that would be unusual).
Tropical storms and hurricane warnings are not really that uncommon here. In fact, we just had another one (tropical storm) a couple weeks ago. What is different this time is that we've got two storms within close proximity to each other, so the level of anxiousness being conveyed by the media and local government is higher.
I'm expecting heavy rain and wind tomorrow, and on Sunday/Monday another bunch of rain. I live on Oahu and not in a flood zone, though, so I don't expect us to get hit that hard.
> I was here during a tsunami alert in October 2012. The tsunami wave was 6 inches tall, barely noticeable—and causing no impact whatsoever.<
I remember that one - a really big deal was made out of it. With many locals, there is a general jadedness when it comes to tsunami warnings. I remember seeing on the news during the next tsunami warning (maybe a year or so later) footage of people surfing or walking right around the exposed reef area when the surge pulled the water back. That particular tsunami wave came in at about 1-2 feet, I believe. However, I do recall shaking my head at the people surfing and poking around the reef - there's jaded and then there's stupid.
Tropical storms and hurricane warnings are not really that uncommon here. In fact, we just had another one (tropical storm) a couple weeks ago. What is different this time is that we've got two storms within close proximity to each other, so the level of anxiousness being conveyed by the media and local government is higher.
I'm expecting heavy rain and wind tomorrow, and on Sunday/Monday another bunch of rain. I live on Oahu and not in a flood zone, though, so I don't expect us to get hit that hard.
> I was here during a tsunami alert in October 2012. The tsunami wave was 6 inches tall, barely noticeable—and causing no impact whatsoever.<
I remember that one - a really big deal was made out of it. With many locals, there is a general jadedness when it comes to tsunami warnings. I remember seeing on the news during the next tsunami warning (maybe a year or so later) footage of people surfing or walking right around the exposed reef area when the surge pulled the water back. That particular tsunami wave came in at about 1-2 feet, I believe. However, I do recall shaking my head at the people surfing and poking around the reef - there's jaded and then there's stupid.
Aug 8th, 2014, 09:23 AM
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http://www.konaweb.com/
Love to check the bay in real time.
Love to check the bay in real time.
Aug 8th, 2014, 12:13 PM
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10:08 am, so far not too bad in central Honolulu. Some wind and rain, reports say this will pick up between now and this evening. No electrical outages, though that could still occur if winds pick up later. Much better than initially thought so keeping my fingers crossed.
Aug 8th, 2014, 02:03 PM
#14
Kauai Update: Still no rain, but it's getting windy--31 mph. Had a beautiful morning. The news is saying that drinking water might not be safe after the storm. The property manager knocked on the door advising me to fill the tub with "toilet" water. Will keep you posted!
Aug 9th, 2014, 10:05 AM
#17
Thankfully, the North Shore of Kauai was completely spared. Whew. It rained heavily through the night and there were flood warnings. (Don't know if it actually flooded, but it wouldn't surprise me--because there was SO much rain.) I'm so grateful and relieved -- but my heart is sad for those on the Big Island who are without power--and had so much damage.
Now ... time to head for the airport and pick up the second wedding guest!
Now ... time to head for the airport and pick up the second wedding guest!
