A hurricane warning has been given to Hawaii as Hurricane Iselle moves toward the state.

Hurricane Iselle is moving at a speed of 17 miles per hour and is expected to make its landfall on Thursday. It is positioned about 250 miles east of Hilo, according to the National Weather Service.

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The Hurricane is expected to bring heavy rains and flood-prone areas are warned of possible flash floods.

NWS meteorologist Mike Cantin said Hurricane Iselle was not a very strong hurricane but he still urged residents to take caution.

Iselle is the first hurricane that is likely to hit Hawaii after more than 20 years.

During the last 65 years, Hawaii has experienced only three hurricanes, but tropical storms are a natural occurrence in the state.

A tropical storm warning has already been issued for the islands of Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai. Residents of Oahu and Kauai County have also been notified to take precautionary measures.

The hurricane is the first tropical cyclone to approach the Big Islands of Hawaii from the east, since all other previous Hurricanes that the state encountered came from the southeast seas.

Besides Iselle, another hurricane, Julio, was also spotted near Hawaii and is expected to pass through the Northern Islands on Sunday.

Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercrombie said they are prepared for the storm and their emergency response teams are ready for whatever may happen. Emergency centers have also been opened all over the state to prepare for the hurricane.

Meanwhile, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake shook Big Islands on Thursday but no damage was reported. However, the incident prompted many residents to rush to grocery stores and buy provisions in preparation for any emergency food shortage they might experience.

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