A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the entire Big Island.
Tropical storm conditions are possible across the island over the next two days as Tropical Storm Hone continues to track in a manner expected to bring it close to the island.
The greatest dangers appear to be wind and rain, as well as flooding and flash floods.
“Please take the time to review your emergency plans and prepare your emergency kit,” Hawai’i County Civil Defense said in a 5:24 p.m. message today. “Prepare your property for heavy rains and flooding.”
Today at 5:00 p.m., Hone’s center was 810 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 840 miles east-southeast of South Point.
The storm moved west at 16 miles per hour and reached maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.
Hone’s latest hurricane track forecast, issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, shows the center still moving southward or possibly near the Big Island as a strong tropical storm Saturday night into Sunday morning.
The wind is expected to gradually strengthen over the next few days and move further west.
Winds associated with Hone will increase over the Big Island on Saturday and could become locally destructive by nightfall. Tropical storm conditions with sustained winds in excess of 39 mph are possible Saturday night into Sunday.
The winds are strongest where they blow from higher ground down slopes, over headlands and through passes.
These include areas such as the Humu’ula Saddle, the Waimea Saddle, and the Leeward areas of Kohala and South Point.
A flood warning will be in effect for the entire island from Saturday to Monday evening, as Tropical Storm Hone is expected to bring significant moisture to the island from Saturday afternoon.
Persistent rainbands on the north side of Hone could bring excessive and heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of the Big Island beginning Saturday afternoon and through the remainder of the weekend, particularly on the east and southeast slopes of the island.
Hāmākua, Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū appear to be at the highest risk for flash flooding.
Some severe thunderstorms could persist in parts of the Big Island through Monday, especially in leeward and hillside areas.
As the storm approaches, the risk of flooding also increases.
Increased runoff and rivers bursting their banks can cause roads and other low-lying areas to be at risk of flooding. Urban areas may experience more frequent flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff.
Monitor late forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.
Remember, it doesn’t have to rain heavily for you to experience flash flooding. Look for signs of heavy rain upslope.
The swell associated with Tropical Storm Hone is expected to bring high surf waves and strong, life-threatening rip currents to the east and southeast coasts of the island starting Saturday evening and throughout the weekend.
High wave warnings or advisories may be issued later.
Now is the time to review your emergency plan and supplies and take the necessary steps to protect your family and secure your home or business.
Don’t focus on the exact weather forecast when making safety decisions and preparing. Hazards such as flooding, damaging winds and storm surge extend far beyond the center of the storm.
If you live in a place that is particularly prone to flooding, such as a low-lying area or an area with poor drainage, you may want to consider finding a safe shelter on higher ground.
If you want to secure your property, you should complete exterior preparations as quickly as possible before conditions worsen. Strong wind gusts or flooding can make certain preparation measures unsafe.
Check the National Weather Service Honolulu website, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news outlets for official storm information. Be alert for possible forecast changes.
For more information, please also visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense online resources here.
