Hawaii Braces For Rare Double Hurricane

"HONOLULU -- Hawaiians braced for a one-two punch from a pair of major storms headed their way on Wednesday, as Hurricane Iselle bore down on the islands packing high winds and heavy surf and Julio, tracking right behind, was upgraded to hurricane status.

Iselle was about 620 miles (997 km) east of Hilo, on the Island of Hawaii, at 11 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time on Wednesday and heading west-northwest at 15 miles per hour (24 km per hour) with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (144 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center.

Iselle was expected to weaken into a tropical storm before reaching the islands on Thursday afternoon but forecasters said it could still bring high winds and 10-to-15-foot (3-to-4.5-meter) surf to the tourist haven."

Malia Mattoch McManus reports for Reuters August 6, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Double Trouble: Hawaii Braces for Hurricanes Iselle and Julio" (NBC News)

"Julio Reaches Hurricane Status, Heads for Hawaii" (USA TODAY)

"Hurricane Iselle Barreling Toward Hawaii; Hurricane Warning Issued" (Weather Channel)