Current:Home > ContactHawaii’s Big Island is under a tropical storm warning as Hone approaches with rain and wind-VaTradeCoin
Hawaii’s Big Island is under a tropical storm warning as Hone approaches with rain and wind
lotradecoin permissions View Date:2024-12-25 23:47:42
HONOLULU (AP) — Tropical Storm Hone is expected to whip gusts and drop rain on the southern edges of Hawaii this weekend, potentially inflicting flooding and wind damage on the Big Island and raising the risk of wildfires on the drier sides of the islands.
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for Hawaii County, which includes all of the Big Island and a red flag warning for the leeward sides of all islands.
Hone, which means “sweet and soft” in Hawaiian, will likely gradually strengthen and become a strong tropical storm as it passes south of the islands Saturday and Sunday, the National Weather Service said.
It’s expected to become a Category 1 hurricane for a 12-hour period on Sunday but will likely be past the Big Island by that point, said Laura Farris, a weather service meteorologist in Honolulu.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority told travelers it’s still safe to come to the islands but recommended that people postpone outdoor activities.
“We are not advising visitors to cancel their trips,” the agency said in a news release.
Hone was 425 miles (685 kilometers) east-southeast of Hilo and 640 miles (1,025 kilometers) east-southeast of Honolulu late Friday.
The eastern and southeastern parts of the Big Island could get 5 to 10 inches (11 to 25 centimeters) of rain. The island could get sustained winds of 20 to 40 mph (32 to 64 kph) and gusts near 60 mph (97 kph.)
The dry air north of the storm will spread arid conditions across the archipelago on Saturday, which combined with strong winds, will raise wildfire risks. Most of the state is already abnormally dry or in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, amplifying the hazards.
The weather service’s red flag warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. It issues the alert when warm temperatures, very low humidity and stronger winds combine to raise fire dangers.
The situation recalls last year’s deadly wildfires on Maui, which were fueled by hurricane-force winds. But Farris said the wildfire risks from Hone are lower.
The Aug. 8, 2023, blaze that torched the historic town of Lahaina caused the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Powerful winds whipped up in part by a hurricane passing to Hawaii’s south helped fuel the flames that killed 102 people. Dry, overgrown grasses and drought helped spread the fire.
To Hone’s east, Hurricane Gilma was moving across the Pacific as a Category 2 storm and was expected to weaken as it heads over cooler waters and encounters drier air in coming days. It’s forecast to become a tropical depression by Wednesday.
Gilma may bring rain to Hawaii but it’s not clear how much, Farris said.
veryGood! (871)
Related
- GM to retreat from robotaxis and stop funding its Cruise autonomous vehicle unit
- Video shows massive blaze after pipeline explosion near Houston prompts evacuations
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ faces federal charges in New York, his lawyer says
- A Harvest Moon reaches peak illumination tonight: When to look up
- Morgan Wallen sentenced after pleading guilty in Nashville chair
- Stanley Cup champion Panthers agree to extend arena deal with Broward County through at least 2033
- Volkswagen, Porsche, Mazda among 100,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- Maná removes song with Nicky Jam in protest of his support for Trump
- US inflation likely edged up last month, though not enough to deter another Fed rate cut
- The Biden administration is letting Alaska Airlines buy Hawaiian Air after meeting certain terms
Ranking
- Amazon's Thank My Driver feature returns: How to give a free $5 tip after delivery
- The Best Lululemon Accessories: Belt Bags & Beyond
- Ex-police officer accused of killing suspected shoplifter is going on trial in Virginia
- ESPN's Peter Burns details how Missouri fan 'saved my life' as he choked on food
- Trump taps immigration hard
- San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel to miss a couple weeks with calf injury
- Former office manager of Dartmouth College student paper gets 15-month sentence for stealing $223K
- Find Out Which Southern Charm Star Just Got Engaged
Recommendation
-
When does 'No Good Deed' come out? How to watch Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow's new dark comedy
-
'He didn't blink': Kirk Cousins defies doubters to lead Falcons' wild comeback win vs. Eagles
-
6-year-old Virginia student brings loaded gun to school, sheriff's office investigating
-
Tennessee is adding a 10% fee on football game tickets next season to pay players
-
The Sundance Film Festival unveils its lineup including Jennifer Lopez, Questlove and more
-
Maná removes song with Nicky Jam in protest of his support for Trump
-
Find Out Which Southern Charm Star Just Got Engaged
-
Ex-officer testifies he beat a ‘helpless’ Tyre Nichols then lied about it