Magnitude 4.5 earthquake strikes Hawaii

Thursday, August 7, 2014, 1:28 PM -

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck near Waimea, Hawaii at 6:24 a.m. local time Thursday.

Shaking was felt 32 kilometres from the epicentre but there have been no immediate reports of damages or injuries.

"Expect aftershocks," the U.S. Geological Survey warns in a statement. "Secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the [initial] quake."

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Meanwhile, Hawaii is preparing to take its first direct hurricane hit in 22 years. A rare hurricane warning has been issued for the main Hawaiian Islands, the first time since Hurricane Fernanda in 1993.

Forecasters say Iselle isn't losing steam as it approaches.

The storm is expected to make landfall Thursday into Friday, bringing dangerous surf and dumping up to 300 mm of rain in some places.

Strong winds will accompany Iselle, elevating the risk of mud slides.

Hurricane Julio is churning in the Pacific not far behind. That storm is expected to strengthen and brush past the Big Island this weekend.