Tropical Depression forecast to become a tropical storm today

Update: 5 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
Tropical Depression may bring rain and gusty winds to the Hawaiian Islands within the next several days

Tropical Depression Two-C is forecast to become a tropical storm later today. The system is still expected to track south of Hawaiʻi late Saturday into Monday. Even with the southward track increased winds and rain are expected, with the highest rainfall totals expected across windward and southeast Big Island.

At 5 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Depression Two-C was located about 745 miles SE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi near latitude 13.4 North, longitude 146.0 West. The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph. This general motion is expected to persist over the next several days, with the center of the system passing south of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi this weekend, then the smaller main Hawaiian Islands by early next week.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast over the couple of days, and the depression is forecast to become a tropical storm later today.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb (29.68 inches).

RAINFALL: The Tropical Depression is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts of 15 inches across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with maximum amounts of 4 inches are expected on eastern Maui. For the remainder of the islands, 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides for the windward and southeast Big Island, especially in steep terrain and over areas that were affected recently by Lala.

SURF: Swells generated by the depression are expected to affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend and into early next week. These swells may cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The next complete advisory will be issued at around 11 a.m. HST.

Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should closely monitor the progress of this system.