Tropical Storm Olaf Develops in Eastern Pacific

Tropical Depression Nineteen-E strengthened into Tropical Storm Olaf Friday evening.

The National Hurricane Center reports that as of 5 a.m., Tropical Storm Olaf was located about 1,595 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja, Calif and about 1,935 miles southeast of the Big Island.

NHC forecasters note that the storm has picked up in wind speed, circulating 60 mile per hour maximum sustained winds, and is expected to continue to strengthen.

As of the 5 a.m. report, Tropical Storm Olaf was headed in a west direction at 13 mph. The movement is expected to continue throughout Saturday with a decrease in forward speed. By Sunday, NHC forecasters say the storm will turn towards the west-northwest.

It’s likely that Tropical Storm Olaf will become a hurricane either Saturday night or Sunday, according to forecasters. The storm may potentially reach close to major hurricane status by Monday.

While Tropical Storm Olaf remains far from the Big Island, Big Island Now will continue to monitor the system and bring you the latest.