Hawaii is bracing for unexpected rains and gusty winds as Tropical Storm Hone moves toward the east-southeast portion of the islands on Friday. The storm could potentially strengthen into a hurricane over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Hone is forecast to pass near or south of Hawaii’s Big Island overnight Saturday into Sunday, bringing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
Hone, the eighth named storm in the Pacific this season, is currently located about 620 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. It is the first tropical storm this season to approach the islands, with winds felt about 90 miles from the storm’s center.
Meteorologists are warning of possible river overflows and property damage due to the increased rainfall. Rainfall of about 15 cm is expected on Maui in the next few days, and between 5 and 10 cm on Oahu.
The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June to November 30 and typically brings 4 or 5 tropical cyclones, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA predicted a below-average hurricane season for the Central Pacific in May because La Niña is expected, making it difficult for storms to form. However, La Niña is now expected to occur in the fall.
Tropical Storm Hone is currently moving at 25 km/h. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a flash flood and tropical storm warning has been issued for the Big Island.
Hone arrived shortly after Hurricane Ernesto devastated Puerto Rico and Bermuda, but the storm was already on the Atlantic coast.
