Hawaii is known for many things, but it definitely isn't known as an area frequently visited by tropical cyclones.
The past few days, however, residents were caught up in unexpected news as two cyclones, hurricane Iselle and storm Julio, are set for the group of Hawaiian Islands.
Weather experts said even if these cyclones won't make landfall, they can still pose major threats to local communities.
According to the National Hurricane Center last Tuesday, hurricane Iselle was identified under Category 3 hurricane. It is estimated to slow down and weaken as it approaches Hawaii.
Tropical Storm Julio, however, is expected to build up and increase its hurricane force as it reaches the islands.
A flash flood watch has been issued for all islands until Friday afternoon. Tropical storm watch has also been issued within Maui and its surrounding waters. A tropical storm watch generally means tropical storm conditions likely to occur in the area within two days.
A tropical storm warning has likewise been issued on Hawaiian offshore waters within 240 nautical miles.
Unaccustomed to cyclones, local residents expressed varying reactions in the wake of the storm warning.
"We are not sure how it will impact our communities," one resident said in an interview. "Some of us are hoping for the best actually. The surfer in me is looking forward to a great surf actually," quipped the local resident.
"We are more familiar with heavy rains here in the Islands. Cyclones are rare and could be dangerous, but so far, not many people are flocking into supermarkets to get their daily supplies," said one local authority.
As of 2002, the U.S Geological Survey has indicated in its report that "hurricane strikes on Hawaiian Islands are relatively rare in modern times."
