Hurricane Erick Update

This is a Civil Defense update message for Thursday, August 1 at 6 in the morning.

 The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Erick is currently located 315 miles south east from Hilo and moving west at 15 miles per hour with sustained winds of 85 miles per hour.  Erick continues to slowly weaken as it moves westward south of Hawaii Island.  If this movement continues Erick will be west of Hawaii Island later Friday.

Central Pacific Hurricane Center has issued a High Surf Warning for east and south facing shores of Hawaii Island due to increasing surf.  A Flash Flood Watch and Wind Advisory has been issued for the districts of Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, Kau and South Kona through Saturday.

The following public safety measures and recommendations are now in effect:

• Pohoiki, Whittington and Punaluu Beach parks are closed till further notice.   All camping permits and pavilion rentals for these parks are cancelled through the weekend.
• South Point Road is closed.  Only residents of South Point Road will have access until further notice.
• The Bayfront Parking lot will be closed Thursday morning, August 1, until further notice.  The Hele-On buses will pick-up passengers behind the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.  Please park between the Butler Buildings and Wong Stadium
• Secure canopy tents and loose items on your property.

Stay tuned to your radio for updates and changes in conditions.

Thank you for listening.

This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.