Hurricane Douglas

Well, there’s another hurricane speeding toward the islands, which is estimated to make landfall on the Big Island by Saturday. O’ahu will host the hurricane on Sunday. Currently, it is classified as a Category 2 hurricane, and it may or may not weaken. It could also change trajectory. Nonetheless, the authorities (term used loosely) have already advised that people should be stocking up on a 14-day supply of food, water, and ... face masks. No doubt, the hoarding will commence within hours. The authorities are also planning ahead for “social distancing” to be accommodated in all emergency shelters.

Will this event play out like the Hurricane Lane debacle (refer to Notes of August 2018 for details)? Then, add in the fear of death from “super-duper corona” for even more fun! By the way, face masks are mandatory when the hurricane arrives. Yes, even with the pouring rain and gale force winds.

Addendum: Douglas was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that the hurricane will most likely weaken to a tropical storm before making landfall on the Big Island this weekend. Yet, the authorities here have been urging residents to make emergency preparations, almost as if the ensuing panic would provide them with comic relief.