CPHC Now Tracking Three Tropical Depressions
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is now tracking three different tropical depressions in the Central Pacific region.
Tropical Depression Ela remains on track to stay far to the north of much of the state, although a turn to the West is forecast sometime during the weekend. It is likely, though, that the storm will continue weakening into a post tropical remnant low by Friday.
As of 11 p.m. Thursday, Ela is 470 miles east-northeast of Hilo and moving to the west-northwest at 12 miles per hour. It is currently maintaining maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
Ela is considered no threat to the Hawaiian Islands, according to National Weather Service forecasters. Muggy weather is expected to intensify heading into the weekend, and heavy showers and possible thunderstorms remain in the forecast.
Two new tropical depressions have slowly formed to the south and west of the island chain, respectively. Tropical Depression One-C is located 1,090 miles southwest of Honolulu and tracking far to the west of the state. It is holding maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and gaining strength as it keeps moving. Forecasters expect One-C to become a tropical storm by Friday.
Another Tropical Depression, currently named Two-C, has passed south of the Big Island and is currently 755 miles south-southeast of Honolulu. It, too, has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and is moving slowly to the west at 6 mph. Like One-C, it is expected to maintain its movement to the west and continue past the state while gaining strength, with a good chance of becoming a tropical storm on Friday.