Tropical Storm Hone poses a danger to Hawaii, potential bringings of infernos and inundations.
A tropical storm alert has been issued for Hawaii's Big Island, with the storm projected to approach the state this weekend. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, dangerous sea conditions, and fire risks to a state still recuperating from one of the most devastating wildfires in American history.
Tropical storm activity in the Pacific Ocean has been high this year, but none of the seven named storms have threatened Hawaii. However, this trend will be broken by Hone, the first storm to form in the Central Pacific since 2019.
The storm is predicted to pass around 150 miles south of the Big Island during the late hours of Saturday and early Sunday morning.
Starting from Saturday morning, the Big Island will experience consistent rain and wind, with the outer bands of the storm affecting the island first.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center anticipates rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches on the east and southeast slopes of the Big Island. Maui could potentially see around 6 inches, and Oahu may receive 2 to 4 inches, primarily on the eastern sides, by early next week. Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding and a rise in area water levels.
Hone will also bring strong winds over the weekend, particularly on the Big Island. "Winds are expected to be strongest in areas where they blow down from higher terrain, over headlands and through passes," the CPHC warned on Friday.
The strongest winds associated with Hone are expected from Saturday night to Sunday as the storm moves closest to the Big Island. Tropical storm force wind gusts, reaching up to 73 mph, are possible.
Powerful winds are expected to start building late Friday night and early Saturday over the island chain before Hone's worst conditions hit. This may increase fire hazards in parts of the state where winds intensify without accompanying rain.
"Drier air and windy conditions ahead of Hone could elevate fire risks across leeward areas statewide (Saturday)," the National Weather Service in Honolulu warned on Friday.
Leeward areas generally encompass the western and southern coasts of each Hawaiian island.
The substantial fire hazard is particularly worrying, as the current drought conditions in the state are more severe than they were during the devastating wildfires in Maui last August. These fires resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and caused $6 billion in damages.
While Hone's fire conditions do not appear as severe as those during last year's fires, any dry vegetation that catches fire will quickly ignite and could be rapidly spread by strong winds.
At the time of the 2020 wildfires, about 15% of the state was experiencing at least moderate drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. As of August 20, moderate drought or worse conditions covered 73% of Hawaii.
Hone is predicted to gain strength on Sunday and Monday, potentially briefly becoming a hurricane. At that time, the system will likely be located around 300 to 400 miles southwest of Hawaii's islands.
After Hone moves away early next week, another system, Gilma, which was a Category 3 hurricane on Friday, is projected to travel westward towards Hawaii over the weekend and into much of next week. While Gilma will weaken as it approaches Hawaii, any remaining parts of the system could impact the state by the end of next week.
Therefore, those in and around Hawaii may need to keep an eye out for further tropical developments even into early September.
The weather forecast for Hawaii predicts heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous sea conditions due to Tropical Storm Hone, a potential threat after several years without such alerts. The storm's approach could worsen existing fire risks in the state, which is still recovering from one of the most devastating wildfires in American history.
