CPHC Tracks Tropical Storm Niala

The Central Pacifc Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Niala, which was located about 460 miles southeast of Hilo, as of 5 a.m.

Tropical Storm Niala is moving at a rate of about seven miles per hour towards the northwest, holding maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. The storm is expected to continue to move in its current direction through Friday evening before taking a gradual turn toward the west-northwest through Saturday. Beginning Saturday night, Niala is then forecast to turn toward the west through early Sunday morning.

Swells are expected to be generated by Tropical Storm Niala and will produce elevated surf along east and south facing shores over the weekend.

In addition, beginning Friday night, the Big Island will be under a Flash Food Watch as deep tropical moisture associated with the storm reaches the island.

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