Current:Home > NewsHawaii’s Big Island is under a tropical storm warning as Hone approaches with rain and wind-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Hawaii’s Big Island is under a tropical storm warning as Hone approaches with rain and wind
View Date:2024-12-24 12:55:24
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! (92)
Related
- Joan says 'Yes!' to 'Golden Bachelorette' finale fantasy beach proposal. Who did she pick?
- March Madness: Caitlin Clark, Iowa will meet South Carolina for national title Sunday
- What to know about next week’s total solar eclipse in the US, Mexico and Canada
- The moon could get its own time zone. Here's why.
- Princess Kate to host annual Christmas carol service following cancer treatment
- What's story behind NC State's ice cream tradition? How it started and what fans get wrong
- Hyper-sexual zombie cicadas that are infected with sexually transmitted fungus expected to emerge this year
- Federal investigation begins of fatal Florida crane collapse; bridge reopens
- Keke Palmer Says Ryan Murphy “Ripped” Into Her Over Scream Queens Schedule
- Small Illinois village preps for second total eclipse in 7 years
Ranking
- Jason Kelce Offers Up NSFW Explanation for Why Men Have Beards
- March Madness: How to watch the women’s Final Four and what to watch for in the NCAA Tournament
- Apple's App Store, Apple TV, other online services go down Wednesday
- Everything to know about 2024 women's basketball NCAA Tournament championship game
- Bull doge! Dogecoin soars as Trump announces a government efficiency group nicknamed DOGE
- Kirsten Dunst and Jimmy Kimmel Reveal Their Sons Got Into a Fight at School
- Maryland lawmakers finalizing $63B budget with some tax, fee increases
- Pauly Shore and The Comedy Store sued for assault and battery by comedian Eliot Preschutti
Recommendation
-
Man killed in Tuskegee University shooting in Alabama is identified. 16 others were hurt
-
Jordan Mailata: From rugby to earning $100-plus million in Eagles career with new contract
-
Former tribal leader in South Dakota convicted of defrauding tribe
-
Small plane clips 2 vehicles as it lands on North Carolina highway, but no injuries are reported
-
Cavaliers' Darius Garland rediscovers joy for basketball under new coach
-
Nickelodeon Host Marc Summers Says He Walked Off Quiet on Set After “Bait and Switch” Was Pulled
-
Workers sue to overturn law that exempts Atlantic City casinos from indoor smoking ban
-
4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates