Hawaii prepares for two approaching hurricanes

HILO, Hawaii, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- As two hurricanes approach Hawaii, officials in the city of Hilo closed schools and warned of flash flooding and high winds.

Hurricane Iselle, although weakened from a Category 4 to a Category 1 storm, still has 85 mph winds. It is approaching the state's major island, Hawaii, from the southeast and is expected to arrive Thursday.

It could affect the state's other islands by Friday, said meteorologist Norman Hui of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Another storm, Julio, was given hurricane status Tuesday. It is presently 1,650 miles from Hilo, and it is likely to be downgraded to tropical-storm status by the time it arrives, Hui said.