Tropical storm watch issued for Big Island ahead of Hone’s approach

The entire Big Island is now under a tropical storm watch.

Tropical storm conditions are possible anywhere on the island within the next 2 days as Tropical Storm Hone continues to churn on a track that looks to bring it close to the island.

Winds and rain, including flooding and flash flooding, look to be the main threats.

“Please take this time to review your emergency plans and prepare your emergency kit,” said Hawai‘i County Civil Defense in a 5:24 p.m. message today. “Prepare your property for heavy rains and flooding conditions.”

As of 5 p.m. today, the center of Hone was 810 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 840 miles east-southeast of South Point.

The storm was moving west at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

Hone’s latest forecast track issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu shows its center still passing south or possibly near the Big Island on Saturday night into Sunday morning as a strong tropical storm.

It is expected to gradually strengthen and continue moving toward the west during the next few days.

Winds associated with Hone will increase over the Big Island on Saturday and could become locally damaging by nightfall. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds of higher than 39 mph, are possible Saturday night into Sunday.

Winds will be the strongest where they blow downslope from higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes.

This includes areas like the Humu‘ula Saddle, the Waimea Saddle, leeward Kohala and South Point.

A flood watch goes into effect for the entire island Saturday through Monday evening as abundant moisture from Tropical Storm Hone is expected to spread over the island beginning Saturday afternoon.

Persistent rainbands on the north side of Hone could bring excessive and intense rainfall and flash flooding to portions of the Big Island, especially places along the east- and southeast-facing slopes of the island, starting Saturday afternoon and continuing through the remainder of the weekend.

Hāmākua, Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū appear to have the highest risk for flash flooding.

A few lingering heavy thundershowers could persist over portions of the Big Island into Monday, especially over leeward and upslope areas.

The risk of flooding will increase as the storm approaches.

Roads prone to flooding and other low-lying areas could be because of elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas might receive more significant flooding and property damage because of rapid runoff.

Monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

Remember: It does not need to be raining heavily where you are for flash flooding to happen. Pay attention to signs of heavy rain upslope.

Swells associated with Tropical Storm Hone are expected to bring high surf and strong, life-threatening rip currents to east- and southeast-facing shores of the island starting later Saturday and persisting through the weekend.

High surf advisories or warnings could be issued later.

Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business.

Do not focus on the exact forecast when making safety decisions and preparations. Hazards such as flooding, damaging winds and storm surge extend well away from the center of the storm.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as a low-lying or poor drainage area, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe.

Monitor the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Be sure to listen for possible changes to the forecast.

For more information, you can also visit Hawai‘i County Civil Defense online resources here.