Hawaii could be in for some rough times this week because according to a report from the National Weather Service, Hurricane Madeline could come dangerously close to the Big Island by Wednesday and may have impacts worse than Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014. “This looks like potentially the strongest tropical cyclone, which includes hurricanes and tropical storms, to approach very close to the coast in the past several years,” said meteorologist Chris Brenchley with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Iselle toppled hundreds of Albizia trees on the Big Island and caused an estimated $79 million in damage. “The time is now to prepare,” said Brenchley. On Monday night, federal, state and county agencies on the Big Island gathered at Hilo’s Emergency Operations Center to discuss preparedness plans. READ MORE