June is Hurricane Awareness Month in Hawaii

To mark the beginning of the annual hurricane season in the Central Pacific, June is recognized as "Hurricane Awareness Month" in the State of Hawaii.

In 2005, the Hawaiian Islands were influenced by three tropical systems according to NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center. In August, the remnants of Tropical Depression (1-C) made landfall on the Island of Hawaii, triggering a significant rainfall event of nearly nine inches in one location. In mid-September, Hurricane Jova achieved Category 3 status approximately 850 miles east southeast of the Island of Hawaii, but did not have a direct impact on the State. In late September, the remains of Hurricane Kenneth passed through the State—triggering heavy rains and flooding in parts of the Island of Hawaii, as well as Oahu and Kauai.

Top: Composite image of tropical cyclone tracks in the Central Pacific in 2005, showing the proximity of tropical systems 1-C, Jova, and Kenneth to the Hawaiian Islands (Source: PDC's Natural Hazards Atlas). Lower Left: Satellite image of Tropical Cyclone 1-C east southeast of the Hawaiian Islands in August 2005 (Source: University of Colorado). Lower Right: Satellite image of Hurricanes Jova and Kenneth approaching the State in September 2005 (the Island of Hawaii is visible in the upper left-hand corner) (Source: NOAA).

2006 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook

For 2006, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a slightly below average Central Pacific hurricane season. The season spans June 1 through November 30.

NOAA predicts two to three tropical cyclones, which are defined to include hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions. Four to five of these storms occur in a normal season.

Click here for PDC's hurricane background information, preparedness suggestions, and links to additional resources.