Iselle and Julio: Hawaii dodges one-two storm punch

The one-two hurricane punch that was supposed to hit Hawaii is looking more like a jab and a missed left hook. After Hawaii cleared Tropical Storm Iselle largely without deterring sunbathers and surfers, the state looked toward Hurricane Julio, which was expected to pass roughly 160 miles northeast of the islands at its closest point early Sunday and linger near the state into Monday. While prospects for Julio could quickly change, the storms appear to have been more a scare for Hawaii than a significant threat.

As wind blows into the terrain, the terrain kind of redirects the wind.

Chris Brenchley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu

The last time Hawaii was hit with a hurricane or tropical storm was in 1992, when Hurricane Iniki killed six people and destroyed more than 1,400 homes in Kauai. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie said the state was prepared for the back-to-back storms, noting the National Guard was at the ready and state and local governments had closed offices, schools and transit services across Hawaii.

What we’re asking the people to do now is pay attention, stay focused and listen to the directions.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie

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