Honolulu is bracing for weather disruptions as Tropical Storm Hone approaches the Big Island, moving westward and threatening to bring heavy rains, damaging winds, and increased surf. Strong and gusty winds are expected to continue through Sunday into Monday as the storm skirts the southern tip of the Big Island, forcing the issuance of various advisories including wind and flood watches, warnings, and a red flag warning due to elevated fire weather concerns, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center, monitoring the progression of Hone, anticipates the storm might briefly reach hurricane intensity by Sunday when it passes south of the smaller islands with forecasters warning of wind gusts up to 50 mph and localized gusts up to 60 mph especially around South Point and downslope of the island's mountainous regions and as per their latest release, residents are urged to finalize emergency preparations immediately. In light of the approaching storm, a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the Big Island, while other regions hold a Tropical Storm Watch, and marine areas face warnings due to the expected turbulent conditions, as reported by the National Weather Service.
As Tropical Storm Hone nears, aviation conditions are forecasted to deteriorate, especially over the eastern end of the state where heavy rains, thunderstorms, and reduced visibility could significantly impact flights according to aviation advisories; mariners are also advised to be cautious as tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of thunderstorms are predicted for coastal waters particularly around the southeastern Big Island with a Small Craft Advisory in effect for all waters except those windward of Big Island, as per the National Weather Service.
Additonally, potential hazards are not confined to the storm system itself but also arise from consequential conditions – pre-storm drier air combined with the strong winds elevates fire risk across leeward regions leading to a Red Flag Warning, this threat, however, is expected to decrease by evening as moisture levels increase with the incoming storm; meanwhile, the Big Island is under a Flood Watch with the forecast of 5 to 10 inches of rain which could lead to flash flooding scenarios, as mentioned by the National Weather Service. Airmets for mountain obscuration and moderate turbulence below 8,000 feet remain in effect, setting the stage for a challenging weekend ahead for both those in the skies and on the ground.
The shifting weather patterns also foretell a change in surf conditions with the High Surf Advisory signaling risky conditions for east and southeast facing shores of the Big Island through Sunday the high winds from Hone likely to generate choppy conditions across a broader expanse of coastline; meanwhile, lower swells are predicted for northern shores and modest conditions are anticipated for the south-facing shores. For more detailed updates on Tropical Storm Hone's development and related weather advisories, residents and visitors to Hawaii are encouraged to visit the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's website.
