Tropical Storm Hone is forecasted to bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the southern regions of Hawaii this weekend, posing potential threats of flooding and wind damage on the Big Island. The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for Hawaii County, encompassing the entirety of the Big Island, and a red flag warning for the leeward sides of all islands.
Named after the Hawaiian term for 'sweet and soft,' Hone is expected to intensify gradually and develop into a strong tropical storm as it tracks south of the islands over Saturday and Sunday. While there is a possibility of Hone briefly reaching Category 1 hurricane status on Sunday, it is anticipated to have moved past the Big Island by then.
Despite the approaching storm, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has reassured travelers that it is safe to visit the islands, although outdoor activities are advised to be postponed as a precautionary measure.
As of late Friday, Tropical Storm Hone was located approximately 425 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 640 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. The eastern and southeastern parts of the Big Island are expected to receive between 5 to 10 inches of rainfall, accompanied by sustained winds of 20 to 40 mph and gusts nearing 60 mph.
The dry air circulating north of the storm is anticipated to bring arid conditions across the archipelago on Saturday, heightening the risk of wildfires due to the combination of low humidity and strong winds. With most of the state already experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor has highlighted the increased hazards.
A red flag warning, indicating elevated fire dangers, will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, triggered by warm temperatures, low humidity levels, and intensified winds. While the situation evokes memories of last year's devastating wildfires on Maui, meteorologists have indicated that the wildfire risks associated with Tropical Storm Hone are comparatively lower.
Both Hawaiian Electric and the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative have announced plans to monitor conditions closely over the weekend, with the possibility of preemptively shutting off power to mitigate the risk of live or damaged powerlines sparking fires. The cause of the deadly Lahaina wildfire from last year, which claimed 102 lives, is still under investigation, with speculation pointing towards electrical infrastructure being a potential ignition source.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Gilma, currently a Category 2 storm moving across the Pacific, is projected to weaken as it encounters cooler waters and drier air in the coming days. While Gilma may bring some rainfall to Hawaii, the exact impact remains uncertain at this time.
