Hurricane Douglas, the first eastern Pacific hurricane of the year, is expected to sweep across the Hawaiian Islands between Saturday evening and Sunday, bringing potentially damaging wind, according to FreightWaves meteorologist Nick Austin.
In addition to the high winds, FreightWaves and other weather forecasters warn that the storm brings the potential of flash floods and heavy surf to the islands.
The state’s population has been urged to shelter in place during the storm.
The storm has also put a damper on weekend ocean transportation services between the islands.
Interisland ocean carrier Young Brothers urged shippers to retrieve their cargo from its piers. The company’s barges unloaded containers and vehicles at the ports of Kawaihae, Kalului and Nawiliwili as late as Friday.
“Once the cargo has been discharged, these barges will not be returning to Honolulu and remain in calm waters south of Hurricane Douglas,” Young Brothers said in a statement.
Regularly scheduled Saturday sailings have been canceled. Young Brothers said its sailings to Kawaihae, Kahului and Nawiliwili for Monday are pending, based on the impact of the storm.
“Until further notice only dry straight load, nonhazardous materials container loads (with the exception of dry ice and medical supplies, emergency service and public utility vehicles) will be accepted for the pending Monday sailings out of Honolulu and Tuesday sailings from the neighbor islands,” the company said.
Hawaii’s Department of Transportation continues to monitor the storm to determine operations at the state’s airports, harbors and highways.
Click for more FreightWaves/American Shipper articles by Chris Gillis.