Two Shreveporters in Hawaii Prepare for Hurricanes to Make Landfall

Two major tropical systems are bearing down on Hawaii.

Residents and tourists are bracing for a possible one-two punch. Hurricane Iselle, the first hurricane expected to hit Hawaii in 22 years, weakened slightly Thursday as its outer edges began to bring rain and wind to the Big Island. Behind Iselle in the Pacific, Hurricane Julio strengthened to a Category 2 storm on Thursday. My son, JW Cox is stationed in Hawaii. He's on Oahu about 20 miles north of Honolulu. His girlfriend, Sarah Colbert (a Caddo Magnet grad) is a student at the University of Hawaii. She's in Honolulu. Both tell me they are doing fine as residents prepare for landfall. Schools are closed and there have been long lines for fuel and basic necessities.

Two big storms so close together is a rare occurrence in the eastern Pacific. Iselle could hit by Friday and Julio could hit two or three days later, said weather.com senior meteorologist Jon Erdman.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie said the state is prepared for the back-to-back storms, noting the National Guard is at the ready and state and local governments were closing offices, schools and transit services across Hawaii. Emergency shelters also are being opened across the state.