Hone becomes a hurricane; Warning remains in effect for the Big Island

Update: 11 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has upgraded Hone to the status of a Category 1 Hurricane, with maximum sustained winds now at 75 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles, according to the CPHC. The system was last located about 105 miles south of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, 115 miles SSE of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi; 55 miles SSE of South Point, Hawaiʻi; 180 miles SSE of Hāna, Maui; 200 miles SSE of Kahului, Maui; 230 miles SSE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 210 miles SSE of Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi; 275 miles SE of Honolulu, Oʻahu; 370 miles SE of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi; and 405 miles SE of Niʻihau.

A Category 1 hurricane is described as a system with sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph. Hone has slowed, moving west at 12 mph in this latest forecast.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Hawaiʻi County, meaning that tropical storm conditions are imminent or occurring somewhere within the warning area.

The CPHC reports that there is little change in strength is expected tonight into early Sunday, followed by a gradual weakening trend Sunday afternoon onward. The CPHC issued the following updates in regards to wind, rainfall and surf impacts:

WIND: Tropical Storm conditions are expected on the Big Island through early Sunday. Winds are expected to be strongest downslope of higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes.

RAINFALL: Hone is expected to produce storm total rainfall of 6 to 12 inches over mainly windward and southeast facing slopes of the Big Island, with locally higher amounts possible. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches will be possible over portions of the smaller islands, mainly windward.

SURF: Surf associated with large swells generated by Hone will continue through Sunday as Hone continues westward. Expect dangerous conditions with life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Big Island Flood Advisory extended to 1:45 a.m. on Sunday

Update: 10:48 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

The National Weather Service has extended the Flood Advisory for the Big Island of Hawaiʻi until 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. At 10:38 p.m., rain bands from Tropical Storm Hone started moving over the Kaʻū District. Heavy rainfall also continued over windward slopes with peak rates of 1 inch per hour over the South Hilo and Puna Districts, according to the NWS. The forecast calls for heavy rain to persist over the windward slopes, with intensity to increase over the slopes of the Kaʻū District over the next several hours, the NWS reports.

Locations in the advisory include: Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaʻau, Honokaʻa, Pōhakuloa Training Area, Pōhakuloa Camp, Volcano, Glenwood, Mountain View, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, Hawaiian Acres, Pāpaʻikou, Keaʻau, Honomū, Pepeʻekeo, Orchidlands Estates and Laupāhoehoe.

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Big Island Flood Advisory extended until 11:45 p.m.

Update: 8:34 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

The National Weather Service has extended the Flood Advisory for the Big Island of Hawaiʻi until 11:45 p.m. At 8:33 p.m., rain bands from Tropical Storm Hone continued to produce heavy rainfall along the windward slopes of the Big Island. “Peak rain rates of around an inch per hour over the South Hilo and Puna Districts were detected by radar and rain gages,” according to the NWS advisory. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across the windward slopes over the next several hours, then shift to the southeast-facing slopes as Hone passes south of the Big Island. Locations in the advisory include: Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaʻau, Honokaʻa, Pāpaʻikou, Honomū, Pepeʻekeo, Mountain View, Glenwood, Hakalau, Volcano, Nīnole, Keaʻau, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiian Acres, ʻOʻōkala, Orchidlands Estates, Paʻauilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Tropical Storm Hone strengthens slightly, nearing hurricane status; Warning remains for Big Island

Update: 8 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

Tropical Storm Hone has strengthened slightly, nearing hurricane status with 70 mph maximum sustained winds. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the center.

At 8 p.m., the system was located 105 miles SSE of Hilo, Hawaiʻil 135 miles SE of Kailua-Kona; 75 miles SE of South Point; 195 miles SSE of Hāna, Maui; 215 miles SSE of Kahului, Maui; 245 miles SE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 225 miles SE of Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi; 295 miles SE of Honolulu, Oʻahu; 395 miles SE of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi; and 430 miles SE of Ni;ihau.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Hawaiʻi County. This means tropical storm conditions are imminent or occurring somewhere within the warning area.

The CPHC reports that modest strengthening is possible over the next 24 to 36 hours, with Hone holding near hurricane intensity Sunday into Monday.

According to the CPHC, Tropical Storm conditions are expected on the Big Island tonight through early Sunday. Winds are expected to be strongest downslope of higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes.

The National Weather Service issued a local statement at 8:28 p.m. saying:

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

“Rainfall of 3 to 6 inches has already fallen across windward Big Island over the past 12 hours, and heavier showers are moving in as Hone brushes past the Big Island. Bands of additional heavy showers and thunderstorms will affect the Big Island tonight and will increase the threat of flash flooding to the entire Big Island into Sunday, though the greatest potential will be across the eastern and southeastern slopes of the Big Island; including the Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, and Kaʻū Districts. Storm total rainfall estimates through Sunday over the Big Island range from 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts. A few lingering thunderstorms and heavy showers may develop over portions of Big Island on Monday, mainly over leeward and upslope areas.

“Portions of the Big Island continue to observe sustained surface winds around 30 to 40 mph and gusts over 50 mph, while a few sites in and around Kohala Ranch have gusted over 60 mph. These winds will continue to increase this evening and will likely be locally damaging. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph and gusts in excess of 60 mph, are expected into early Sunday, especially for areas downslope from higher terrain and through passes. This includes areas like the Humuula Saddle, the Waimea Saddle, leeward Kohala, and South Point.”

Hone is expected to produce storm total rainfall of 6-12 inches over mainly windward and southeast facing slopes of the Big Island, with locally higher amounts possible. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches will be possible over portions of the smaller islands, mainly windward, according to the latest forecast.

Large swells generated by Hone will continue through Sunday, creating dangerous conditions with life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Flood Advisory in effect until 8:45 for Hawaiʻi Island

Update: 5:27 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

A Flood Advisory has been extended until 8:45 p.m. for the Big Island of Hawaiʻi as flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.

The National Weather Service reports that as of 5:25 p.m., 2-4 inches of rain had fallen over windward Big Island. Radar showed moderate to locally heavy showers moving ashore with rates of .5 to 1.5 inches per hour.

According to the advisory, some locations that will experience flooding include: Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaʻau, Honokaʻa, Pāpaʻikou, Honomū, Pepeʻekeo, Mountain View, Glenwood, Hakalau, Volcano, Nīnole, Keaʻau, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiian Acres, ʻOʻōkala, Orchidlands Estates, Paʻauilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Red Flag Warning Canceled for Hawaiʻi

5:16 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

The National Weather Service has cancelled the Red Flag Warning that was previously in effect for the islands west of the Big Island. “Moisture associated with Tropical Storm Hone continues to fill in across the state so the threat for elevated fire weather concerns are diminishing,” NWS forecasters said. The Red Flag Warning for the Big Island was canceled earlier today.

Tropical Storm Hone steadily moves west; TS Warning remains in effect for the Big Island

Update: 5 p.m., Aug. 24 2024

Tropical Storm Hone continues on a track southeast of the Big Island moving to the west at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds at 65 mph. As of 5 p.m., the system was last located 125 miles SSE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi; 160 miles SE of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi; 105 miles SE of South Point, Hawaiʻi; 215 miles SSE of Hāna, Maui; 240 miles SE of Kahului, Maui; 275 miles SE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 255 miles SE of Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi; 325 miles SE of Honolulu, Oʻahu; 420 miles SE of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi; and 460 miles SE of Niʻihau.

“On its current track, Hone will brush past the southern slopes of the Big Island tonight into Sunday morning bringing the potential for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and large surf,” according to an update from the National Weather Service.

The NWS says strong and gusty easterly winds and periods of heavy showers are expected to continue through Monday as Hone passes south of the smaller islands.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Big Island East, Big Island Interior, Big Island North, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, Big Island Summits, Kohala, and Kona.

The NWS reports: “Portions of the Big Island have already seen sustained winds around 30 mph and gusts over 50 mph, while a few sites in and around Kohala Ranch have gusted over 60 mph. These winds will continue to increase this evening and will likely be locally damaging.”

A brief return of moderate to breezy trade winds is expected late Monday through Wednesday as Hone continues west away from the island chain. Tropical Cyclone Gilma far east of the state will weaken as it approaches Hawaiʻi by the end of next week, possibly bringing more rainfall to the islands, according to the NWS.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is forecasting storm rainfall totals of 6-12 inches, mainly over the windward and southeast facing slopes of the Big Island. Totals of 2-4 inches are possible over portions of the smaller islands, mainly in the windward areas, according to the CPHC.

Tropical Storm Hone continues west bringing strengthening winds, increasing rain to Big Island

Update: 2:39 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for the Big Island of Hawaiʻi until 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. At 2:37 p.m., 1-3 inches of rain had fallen over windward Big Island. Radar shows moderate to locally heavy showers moving ashore with rates of 0.5 to 1 inches per hour. According to the advisory, some locations that will experience flooding include: Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaʻau, Honokaʻa, Pāpaʻikou, Honomū, Pepeʻekeo, Mountain View, Glenwood, Hakalau, Volcano, Nīnole, Keaʻau, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiian Acres, ʻOʻōkala, Orchidlands Estates, Paʻauilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Update: 2:13 p.m., Aug. 24, 2024

Tropical Storm Hone is now located about 155 miles southeast of Hilo as of 2 p.m. HST. The system was located: 200 miles SE of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi; 150 miles ESE of South Point, Hawaiʻi; 245 miles SE of Hāna, Maui; 275 miles SE of Kahului, Maui; 310 miles SE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 290 miles SE of Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi; 365 miles SE of Honolulu, Oʻahu; 460 miles SE of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi; and 500 miles SE of Niʻihau.

The system continues to move west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that tropical-storm-force winds extend outward from the center up to 125 miles.

The National Weather Service reports the system is forecast to move toward the west for the next several days, with some strengthening possible over the next 24 hours. The center of Hone will pass just south of the Big Island tonight and Sunday morning and will move off to the west of the area early next week, according to the NWS forecast.

Moderate rainfall of 1 to 3 inches has already fallen across windward Big Island, with total rainfall estimates ranging from 6-12 inches this weekend. As Hone moves closer, bands of heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to intensify late this afternoon and tonight, according to the NWS. The greatest rainfall potential will be across the Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, and Kaʻū Districts.

Portions of the Big Island have already seen sustained winds around 30 mph and gusts over 50 mph, according to the NWS. “These winds will will continue to increase afternoon and may become locally damaging by nightfall. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph and gusts in excess of 60 mph, are expected tonight into early Sunday, especially for areas downslope from higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes,” the NWS reports.

A large short period swell produced by Hone will build this afternoon and peak tonight, mainly along east and southeast showers of the Big Island. The NWS reports that large swells will spread across the other portions of the island chain tonight and Sunday.

Tropical Storm Hone continues to move westward toward Hawaiʻi;
Tropical Storm Warning in effect for the Big Island, bringing strengthening winds, increasing rain

Update: 11:30 a.m., Aug. 24, 2024

As of 11 a.m., the center of Tropical Storm Home was located about 185 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaiʻi; 235 miles SE of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi; 185 miles ESE of South Point, Hawaiʻi; 280 miles SE of Hāna, Maui; 305 miles SE of Kahului, Maui; 340 miles SE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 325 miles SE of Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi; 395 miles SE of Honolulu, Oʻahu; 495 miles SE of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi; and 535 miles SE of Niʻihau.

The storm was moving to the west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the center, according to the CPHC.

A slight increase in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center;.however, Hone is now forecast to remain just below hurricane strength at its peak Sunday through Monday.

A red flag warning is in effect for leeward portions of the smaller Hawaiian Islands through 6 p.m. and a wind advisory is in the forecast through 6 a.m. on Monday.

The National Weather Service reports that Hone will pass just south of the Big Island tonight and Sunday morning and will move off to the west of the area early next week. Moderate rainfall has already developed along the windward portion of the Big Island, with heavy showers and thunderstorms forecast to intensify this afternoon and tonight.

The NWS reports that the greatest potential for flash flooding will be across the Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, and Kaʻū Districts. According to the NWS, total rainfall on the Big Island is estimated at 6-12 inches with locally higher amounts.

“Winds associated with Hone will increase over Big Island today and may become locally damaging by nightfall. Tropical storm conditions, with
sustained winds over 39 mph and gusts in excess of 60 mph, are expected tonight into early Sunday, especially for areas downslope from higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes. This includes areas like the Humuʻula Saddle, the Waimea Saddle, leeward Kohala, and South Point,” according to the NWS.

On the water, a large short period swell produced by Hone will build today and peak tonight, mainly along east and southeast showers of the Big Island. The large swells will spread across the other portions of the island chain tonight and Sunday, according to the NWS.

Update: 7:45 a.m., Aug. 24, 2024

Overview:

Tropical Storm Hone is forecast to brush past the southern slopes of the Big Island from tonight into Sunday morning, according to the latest forecast track released by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The system will bring the potential for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and large surf.

The National Weather Service says strong and gusty easterly winds and periods of heavy showers will continue Sunday into Monday as Hone passes south of the smaller islands.

Looking ahead, a brief return of moderate to breezy trade winds is expected late Monday through Wednesday as Hone continues westward, moving away from the island chain.

The NWS reports that Hurricane Gilma, located far east of the state will weaken as it approaches the Hawaiʻi area by the end of next week, possibly bringing more rainfall to the islands.

Hone remains a strong tropical storm; warning remains in effect for the Big Island

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi County with tropical storm conditions expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

As of 5 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, the center of Tropical Storm Hone was located: 260 miles SE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi; 265 miles ESE of South Point, Hawaiʻi; 350 miles SE of Hāna, Maui; 380 miles SE of Kahului, Maui; 415 miles SE of Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi; 400 miles SE of Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi; 475 miles SE of Honolulu, Oʻahu; 575 miles SE of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi; and 615 miles ESE of Niʻihau.

The system was moving toward the west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Hone is expected to be at hurricane status from Sunday through Monday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward from the center up to 115 miles, according to the CPHC.

Hazards associated with Hone include wind, rain and surf. Tropical storm wind conditions are expected over the Big Island beginning as early as this evening and continuing through part of Sunday. Rainfall of 5-10 inches is forecast over windward and southeast facing slopes of the Big Island, with rainfall totals of 2-4 inches possible over portions of the smaller islands, mainly in windward areas. Swells generated by Hone will build through Sunday along impacted shores.