HURRICANE HAGIBIS - 1700Z, 08-JAN-08

THE NATIONAL HYSTERIA CENTER (NEPAC DIVISION) RE-DESIGNATED TYPHOON HAGIBIS AS HURRICANE HAGIBIS, UPON THIS STORM'S ENTREE INTO THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. AS WITH THE MUCH REPORTED, WIDELY DESTRUCTIVE ALMA, THIS SECOND NAMED STORM OF THE NEPAC 2008 SEASON IS UNPRECEDENTED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS. THE FIRST EVER TYPHOON TO REMAIN AT HURRICANE STRENGTH CROSSING THE DATE LINE EASTBOUND. THE SECOND EARLIEST NEPAC HURRICANE IN LOCAL RECORDED HISTORY. HAGIBIS IS CURRENTLY LOCATED AT 171 W, 42 N AND IS MOVING E AT 20KT. STEERING CURRENTS WILL LIKELY BUMP THIS STORM TO THE NORTH AROUND 160 W. FROM THERE, MODELS ARE NOT CONVERGING, AT PRESENT, ON A DEFINITE TRACK. AFTERNOON SHIFT WILL CONSIDER WATCHES AND WARNINGS BASED ON NEW MODEL RUNS. EOT. FORECASTER - HOLDEN.