Tropical Storm Gil strengthens to become hurricane, urgent alert issued for Hawaii, California travellers

Tropical storm Gil strengthened to become a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean before weakening again into a tropical storm, the National Hurricane Center said Saturday, August 2. A warning has been issued for travelers heading to Hawaii to exercise caution.

The storm is expected to continue weakening through the weekend, the hurricane center said and will be come post-tropical as early as Sunday. It was moving west-northwest near 20 mph, and it was expected to continue through the weekend. By Monday, the system is forecast to move more slowly westward.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, according to the hurricane center, part of the National Weather Service. Gil was a tropical storm on Friday, Aug. 1, before becoming a hurricane overnight. Then, it was downgraded back to a tropical storm on Saturday morning. When a tropical storm's winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane, according to USA Today.


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Hawaii authorities issue alert

Experts have warned that Hurricane Gil may reach California as early as today, according to Hindustan Times. During the passage of Tropical Storm Iona and another adjacent meteorological system, authorities in Hawaii have issued fire hazard alerts.

Earlier, the Honolulu National Weather Service said: “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.”

Tropical Depression Iona, situated over 1,400 miles west of Honolulu, continued to weaken on Saturday as it neared the International Date Line, according to a bulletin from the hurricane center.

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Check tips to prepare for hurricane

Procrastinating on hurricane preparations could have serious consequences. “Stock up on disaster supplies while they’re still available, and schedule your insurance review now,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises. “Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so don’t delay.”

NOAA advises people to get their insurance checkup early because flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period. Moreover, they should acquire emergency supplies while the shelves are still filled.

Here’s how to get ready before the storm hits:

Make an Evacuation Plan

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you need to know where you’ll go and how you’ll get there in case of an evacuation. Start mapping out your route and identifying potential shelter options now.

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Gather Disaster Supplies

Whether you plan to evacuate or shelter in place, you’ll need essential supplies to ride out the storm and deal with its aftermath. Stock up on food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other critical items today.

Check Your Insurance and Document Your Belongings

Call your insurance agent now for a full policy review. Ensure you have sufficient coverage to repair or replace your home and possessions. Remember: standard homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage. You’ll need separate flood insurance, which you can get through your provider or the National Flood Insurance Program. Be aware — there’s a mandatory 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.

Set Up a Family Communication Plan

Write down your family’s emergency plan and go over it with everyone in your household. Choose a nearby meeting point and include an out-of-town contact or location in case you’re forced to evacuate.

Fortify Your Home

Take steps now to boost your home’s defenses against high winds and heavy rain. Trim overhanging tree branches, install storm shutters or impact-resistant glass, and seal any gaps or cracks in exterior walls.