HONOLULU (AP) — Tropical Storm Hone approached Hawaii's southern edges Saturday with gusty winds and heavy rains, and will cause flooding and storm damage on the Big Island over the weekend and increase the danger of wildfires on the drier sides of the islands.
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for Hawaii County, which incorporates your complete Big Island, in addition to a red flag warning for the leeward sides of all islands.
Hone, which implies “sweet and gentle” in Hawaiian, had peak sustained sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph) early Saturday. It will likely strengthen right into a Category 1 hurricane because it passes near or south of the Big Island Saturday night into Sunday morning, in keeping with the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Hawaii's tourism authority told travelers it was still secure to go to the islands, but advisable people postpone outdoor activities.
“We do not advise visitors to cancel their trips,” the agency said in a press release.
Hone's center was about 260 miles (415 kilometers) east-southeast of Hilo and 470 miles (755 kilometers) east-southeast of Honolulu on Saturday morning.
The east and southeast of the Big Island could see 4 to 10 inches of rain. The island could experience sustained winds of 20 to 40 mph (32 to 64 km/h) and gusts of as much as 60 mph (97 km/h).
Dry air to the north of the storm will bring dry spells to the archipelago on Saturday and, together with strong winds, will increase the danger of wildfires. Much of the state is already experiencing unusual dryness or drought, in keeping with the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The weather service's “Red Flag” warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to six p.m. Saturday. It is issued when warm temperatures, very low humidity and stronger winds mix to extend the hearth danger. The winds are expected to be strongest where they blow from higher elevations, over headlands and thru passes, the hurricane center warned.
The situation is paying homage to the deadly wildfires on Maui last yr, which were fueled by hurricane-force winds. But the danger of wildfires on Hone is lower, said Laura Farris, a meteorologist with the Honolulu Weather Service.
The August 8, 2023, fire that burned the historic town of Lahaina was the worst wildfire within the United States in over a century. Strong winds, fueled partly by a hurricane that passed through southern Hawaii, fueled the flames that killed 102 people. Dry, overgrown grass and drought contributed to the hearth's spread.
The reason behind the Lahaina fire remains to be under investigation, but it surely is feasible that it was began by bare power lines and leaning power poles that were toppled by the high winds.
Behind Hone, Category 2 Hurricane Gilma moved westward across the Pacific. However, it is anticipated to weaken over cooler waters in the approaching days because it encounters drier air. It is anticipated to change into a tropical depression by Wednesday. Gilma could bring rain to Hawaii, but it surely will not be yet clear how much, Farris said.
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