Honolulu has been tracking a weather disturbance that has escalated into tropical storm status, with the moniker Tropical Storm Iona. According to Big Island Now, the storm was confirmed to be approximately 960 miles southeast of Honolulu, packing winds near 40 mph and higher gusts earlier.
Tropical Storm Iona is about 915 miles from Honolulu, moving west at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, as reported by Hawaii News Now. The storm may strengthen into a hurricane by Monday night before weakening Tuesday night. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 35 miles from the center, creating risks for vessels, but the system is forecast to stay south of the Hawaiian Islands with no direct impacts expected.
Meteorologists are monitoring a low-pressure area east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands. The system, currently a disorganized cluster of thunderstorms, has a 40% chance of developing into a cyclone within the next 48 hours. It is moving westward at about 10 mph.
