Earthquake strikes Hilo, Hawaii while Hurricane Flossie Bears Down

Keaau, Hawaii – With Hurricane Flossie bearing down on Hawaii, an earthquake measuring a magnitude 5.3 has struck the Big Island.

The US Geological Survey placed the epicenter  some 26 miles South of Hilo, Hawaii.

The temblor occurred at 7:38 PM local time.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning for the Big Island of Hawaii. Currently a Category 3 Hurricane, Flossie is expected to maintain its strength as it passes within 85 miles of the Island on Tuesday.

The Southeastern coast of the Big Island is expected to see 15 to 20 ft surf on Tuesday. The Island will suffer sustained Southeast winds of 40 to 50 mph with higher gusts, and may see up to 10 inches of rain from the storm.