Tropical Storm Hone is approaching Hawaii. Heavy rains are expected this weekend. Residents should expect gusty winds that could increase the risk of wildfires in drought-affected areas.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for the island of Hawaii, meaning the region is likely to experience tropical storm conditions within the next 36 hours.
Some areas of the Big Island could see rain amounts of 4 to 8 inches. Wind forecasts vary across the islands, but some areas could see sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Gusts of 80 mph could occur at the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
At 5:00 p.m., Hone’s center was located 425 miles east-southeast of Hilo, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a westward wind speed of 16 mph.
“Tropical Storm Hone has formed in the central Pacific and is moving rapidly westward toward Hawaii. A high pressure system north of Hawaii will control this storm,” said Bernie Rayno, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather.
The center of Hone is expected to pass near or south of the island of Hawaii tonight into early Sunday. The latest five-day forecast calls for Hone to pass well south of the other islands as a strong tropical storm or Category 1 hurricane by early next week.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the leeward areas of all islands, warning of strong downdrafts as they pass through Hone Gulf. The advisory is valid from 6:00 a.m. today until 6:00 a.m. Monday.
Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with local gusts over 50 mph are expected in parts of Niihau, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe and Oahu.
“Winds this strong can tear off roof shingles, down tree limbs, blow away tents and awnings, and make steering difficult, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles,” authorities warned. “Be careful of falling tree limbs when walking or driving. Make sure tents and awnings are securely fastened or take them down. Be prepared for power outages.”
Alex DaSilva, senior hurricane expert at AccuWeather, says as Tropical Storm Hone approaches, trade winds will strengthen across the state, increasing the risk of wildfires, particularly on the leeward sides of Hawaii.
Recently, dryness and drought have been reported on all islands; parts of Maui and Hawaii are affected by severe and extreme drought.
“If Hone loses its structure and some of the rainbands break up, the leeward sides of the mountains may receive very little or no rain and a lot of wind, which could increase the risk of wildfires,” DaSilva said.
Despite the approaching storm, the Hawaii Tourism Authority issued a statement Friday afternoon assuring that travel to the Hawaiian Islands remains safe and that visitors are not advised to cancel their trips.
With the severe weather approaching, Hawaiian Electric is preparing for potential impacts on the island of Hawaii and is urging customers to be prepared for possible power outages.
In light of the storm, the company has activated its emergency plan and made preparations to respond quickly to customer outages and other potential impacts to its systems.
These preparations include deploying additional resources such as contractors and equipment, ensuring fuel supplies for trucks and other equipment are replenished, planning the mobilization of field teams and equipment to strategic locations, and securing facilities to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
Strong winds and flooding could damage utilities or cause trees and debris to fall on power lines, leading to power outages. Once the weather improves, power lines will need to be inspected – possibly through aerial inspections using helicopters and drones – before necessary repairs can be made and service restored.
Hawaiian Electric urged its customers to review their family and business emergency plans, closely monitor the storm’s development and follow the advice of government officials.
