Tropical Storm Hone expected to bring wind and rain to the Big Island this weekend; strengthening in forecast

Update: 1:47 p.m., Aug. 23, 2024

As of 2 p.m., Tropical Storm Hone is located about 400 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, moving west around 14 mph. Interests in Hawaiʻi should closely monitor this system. Maui County residents are advised to prepare and monitor developments as Tropical Storm Hone approaches the state, with the National Weather Service forecasting the potential for heavy rainfall, strong trade winds and large surf starting Saturday. For Maui County, East Maui is expected to see the majority of potential impacts.

The NWS reports that winds associated with Hone will increase over the Big Island on Saturday and may become locally damaging by nightfall.

According to the NWS: “Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph, are possible Saturday night into Sunday. Winds will be the strongest where they blow downslope from higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes. This includes areas like the Humuula Saddle, the Waimea Saddle, leeward Kohala, and South Point. Persistent rainbands on the north side of Hone may bring excessive rainfall and flash flooding to portions of the Big Island starting Saturday afternoon and continuing through the remainder of the weekend. The Hāmākua, Hilo, and Kaʻū Districts appear to have the highest risk for flash flooding. A few lingering heavy thundershowers may persist over portions of the Big Island into Monday, especially over leeward and upslope areas.”

The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida is issuing advisories on Hurricane Gilma, located around 1550 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii. Gilma is expected to move into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s area of responsibility early next week.

Update: 4:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23, 2024

Tropical Storm Hone is expected to bring increasing wind and rain to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the Big Island with the latest forecast track bringing the center of Hone near the South Point from Saturday night into Sunday morning. The NWS reports Hone will then strengthen to a Hurricane late Sunday as it passes south of Oʻahu and Molokaʻi.

As of 2 a.m., the system was last located 665 miles ESE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi; 750 miles ESE of Hāna, Maui; 780 miles ESE of Kahului, Maui; 820 miles ESE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 810 miles ESE of Lānaʻi City; 880 miles ESE of Honolulu; and 980 miles ESE of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi.

Hone was moving toward the west at 14 mph with storm intensity at 45 mph.

NWS forecasters say Hone will gradually strengthen and continue moving toward the west over the next few days.

“Winds associated with Hone will increase over the Big Island on Saturday and may become locally damaging by nightfall. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph, are possible Saturday night into Sunday,” according to the NWS. Winds are forecast to be especially strong in mountainous regions and in downslope areas including Humuʻula Saddle, the Waimea Saddle, leeward Kohala, and South Point.

According to the NWS forecast: “Persistent rainbands within the deep tropical moisture on the north side of Hone may bring excessive rainfall and flash flooding to portions of the Big Island starting Saturday afternoon and continuing through the remainder of the weekend. The Hāmākua, Hilo, Puna, and Kaʻū Districts appear to have the highest risk for flash flooding. A few heavy showers and thunderstorms may persist over leeward and upslope portions of the Big Island into Monday.”

On the water, southeast facing shores could see high surf and strong rip currents late Saturday through Sunday on the Big Island.

Meanwhile in the Eastern Pacific, The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Gilma, located around 1,900 miles east of Hilo,Hawaiʻi. The NHC says Gilma is expected to move into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s area of responsibility early next week.

The public is reminded to check their emergency plan and supplies, and take necessary actions ahead of the storm’s approach.

• For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
• For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
• For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

The next local update will be issued at around 6 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.