Hawaii and Mexico Brace for Strong Hurricanes as Flood Threats Intensify
Strong hurricanes are threatening Hawaii and Mexico with heavy rainfall and devastating floods, prompting emergency declarations and the activation of National Guard units to protect residents in vulnerable areas.
Emergency Response Underway
President Donald Trump on Friday approved an emergency declaration for the state of Hawaii, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance, while Hawaii officials told residents to put together emergency kits and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, activating more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members.
Preparations in Affected Areas
Schools were closed in some areas, and Hawaii County officials on the Big Island were urging residents in flood-prone areas to consider taking refuge at shelters being set up or other locations. The closures and evacuation recommendations indicate the severity of the threat posed by the incoming storms.
Storm Details
The hurricanes bring particularly acute danger to regions already affected by previous storms. The heaviest rain from the hurricane is likely to fall over the same southeastern region of the Big Island that was hit by a previous hurricane and where grounds are still wet from additional rainfall.
Dual Threat
With both Hawaii and Mexico facing hurricane threats simultaneously, officials across the Pacific and Gulf regions are on high alert. The convergence of two major weather systems underscores the increasing severity of Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons.