This post is deemed accurate as of 11am October 17th, 2014.  Please follow the news for the most updated information on the storm. 

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Nope, it’s deja vu.

Hurricane Ana

As if Hurricane Iselle wasn’t enough for one year, it seems that yet another storm is headed toward Hawaii, and her name is Ana. As of 11am on Friday, October 17th, here is what we know:

Update:  Ana has been upgraded from a Tropical Storm to a Hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 75mph and gusts up to 93mph. The storm is currently moving West-Northwest at 14mph with tropical storm force winds extending 90 miles and hurricane force winds extending 25 miles from the center of the storm. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says it’s unlikely that any of the islands will experience hurricane conditions. The current track forecasts that Ana will pass 115 miles southwest of the Big Island Friday night and south of Maui County on Saturday.

In preparation for the storm, Governor Neil Abercrombie has declared an emergency for the state through October 24th, allowing Hawaii access to state and federal resources for preparation and recovery, if such assistance is needed.

Update: The storm is currently located 230 SE of Hilo (Big Island), 320 miles SE of Kahului (Maui), 350 miles SE of Kaunakakai (Molokai), 325 miles SE of Lana’i City (Lana’i) and 380 miles SE of Honolulu (Oahu).

Hurricane Warning: All Hawaiian Offshore Waters (starts Friday PM)

Tropical Storm Warning: All Hawaiian Offshore Waters; Big Island leeward coastal waters and SE waters

Tropical Storm Watch: Statewide; All coastal waters

Flash Flood Watch: Big Island; anticipated for entire state beginning Friday afternoon

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to reach the Big Island today, potentially causing flash flooding, mud slides and rock slides. As of now, Maui County can expect possible winds of 35mph with gusts up to 50mph Saturday through Monday, with heavy rainfall, frequent scattered showers and thunderstorms possible today.

Hawaiian Airlines has released a statement concerning scheduled flights for October 16th – 19th. Island Air has suspended flights due to Ana and waived reservation change fees.

Maui County Closures & Cancellations

The final track of the storm remains unclear, but stores are already stocking up with supplies in advance. Maui County also released a list of closures and cancellations in preparation for the storm, including the following:

• Haleakala National Park Summit & Kipahulu Districts: Closed on Friday, October 17th at noon
• Festivals of Aloha Parade Day Event: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Cancelled
• Starry Night Cinema at the MACC: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Rescheduled for Saturday, November 1st
• Pacific Media Group Job Fair: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Rescheduled for Saturday, November 1st
• 5th Annual North Shore Town Cleanup: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Rescheduled for Saturday, November 1st
• Carden Academy of Maui Fall Festival: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Rescheduled for Saturday, October 25th
• 19th Annual Stand for Children Rally & Celebration: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Cancelled
• Lipoa Street Farmers Market: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Will reopen on Saturday, October 25th
• Wailuku Hongwonji Mission 115th Anniversary: Previously scheduled for Sunday, October 19th – Rescheduled for Sunday, November 2nd
• Upcountry Little League Registration: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Rescheduled for Sunday, October 26th
• Lana’i Mouflon Sheep Rifle Hunt: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th – Cancelled
• Fall Harvest Festival: Previously scheduled for Sunday, October 19th – Cancelled
• State Forest Managed Lands in Maui County: Closed until further notice
• All Maui County Parks & Recreational Facilities: Closed beginning Saturday, October 18th
• All State Parks on Hawaiʻi island, Maui and Molokaʻi: Closed beginning today until further notice
• State Small Boat Harbors on Hawaiʻi Island & Maui: Closed beginning at 4:30pm today until further notice
• Maui County Campgrounds: Closed today and tomorrow
• Valley Isle Timing Association Drag Race Event: Cancelled
• 5th annual OktoberFEST: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Rescheduled for Sunday, October 26th
• Maui FilAm Heritage Festival: Previously scheduled for Saturday, October 18th – Rescheduled for Saturday, November 1st
• Habitat for Humanity’s Golf Extravaganza 2014: Cancelled; will be rescheduled

Hurricane Safety Preparation

Just like last time, we encourage residents to take proper precautions to ensure your health and safety!

The following hurricane and tropical storm precautions are recommended:

• Make sure all boats are securely moored or safely stored
• Board up windows when necessary
• Charge your cell phone
• Plan evacuation routes to a safe shelter
• Stay away from windows
• Keep an eye and ear on the latest updates of storm progress and changes in evacuation routes
• Never use charcoal grill or generator inside due to possible carbon monoxide poisoning
• Conserve water
• Set refrigerator to coldest setting in case of power outage
• Stay off the streets unless it’s an emergency
• Secure outside objects
• Stock up on emergency supplies, including water (1 gallon per person per day in a food-grade plastic container), non-perishable food, first aid kit, protective clothing, flashlights, batteries, non-prescription drugs, medications, cash, toilet paper, personal hygiene items, radio, manual can opener, family contact information, important documents and a full tank of gasoline

Stay tuned as we hear more important updates!