Tropical Storm Douglas Gains Strength As it Moves Toward Hilo

Courtesy of National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Tropical Storm Douglas is expected to become a hurricane later today or tonight, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Douglas is churning toward the Hawaiian Islands, about 2,035 miles east of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph with higher gusts. Forecasters anticipate the storm to turn toward the west at slightly slower forward speed this evening, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest and some acceleration late Wednesday.

“The west-northwestward motion is forecast to continue at least through Friday,” weather experts say. “Strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Douglas could become a hurricane later today or tonight.”

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time.