Public schools closed and Hawaiians were warned to stock up on food and water as Hurricane Flossie roared toward the state early Tuesday. Adding to the worries was a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that jolted the Big Island of Hawaii overnight, AP reported. The eye of the Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained wind down slightly at 110 mph (177 kph), was expected to pass less than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from the islands, lashing the shores with strong wind and up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain, meteorologists said. The National Weather Service placed the Big Island under a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning. A flash flood watch was also issued for the island through Wednesday, with possible flash flooding in areas.
