ALERT: Major Hurricane Could Hit Hawaii in Next 48 Hours

Hawaii has been placed under hurricane watch following Madeline's increasing intensity.

Madeline entered the Central Pacific area late Saturday and strengthened into a hurricane Sunday.
Recent report from the National Weather system classifies Madeline as Category 4 storm adding that it looks set to pass "dangerously close" to the big island within the next hours.

"Impacts from Madeline are becoming increasingly likely over portions of the state, including the possibility of damaging winds and flooding," forecasters told Honolulu Star Advertiser

"It is important for those in the State of Hawaii to not focus too closely on the exact forecast track of Madeline. With an average forecast track error of about 85 to 150 miles in the 48 to 72 hour time range, it is still too soon to say with certainty which islands could be directly impacted. It is also important to note that significant impacts can extend well away from the center of a tropical cyclone."

It was located about 550 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour with higher gusts.

Aside from strong winds and rains, Madeline is also expected to bring Surf that could rise 10 to 20 feet late Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Madeline is not the only threat to Hawaii as Hurricane Lester, classified as category 3 storm with winds of 125 mph, continues to move west at 14 mph notes Hawaii247. It should cross into the Central Pacific Wednesday notes

The government has already updated its website and issued warnings as well as tips to the residents regarding how they can prepare for the disaster such as restocking the emergency preparedness kit, creating an evacuation plan and keeping vehicles fueled and cell phones charged.

"Hawaii County did a lot of work ahead of time preparing for it," John Bravender of the National Weather Service tells Khon 2. "Trimming trees, making sure culverts were clear, and that helped limit the amount of damage that occurred as Darby came ashore."