National Weather Service upgrades tropical storm watch to warning, as Hone is expected to strengthen

The National Weather Service’s tropical storm watch has been upgraded to a tropical storm
warning for all of the Big Island, as Tropical Storm Hone – located about 425 miles east-southeast of Hilo as of 5 p.m. – is expected to strengthen and move west over the next few days.

The latest forecast track brings the center of Hone south of, or possibly near, the Big Island Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Winds associated with Hone will increase over the Big Island on Saturday and may become locally damaging by nightfall. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph, are expected Saturday night into Sunday, especially for areas downslope from higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes. This includes areas like the Humuula Saddle, the Waimea Saddle, leeward Kohala and South Point.

Persistent rainbands on the north side of Hone may bring excessive rainfall and flash flooding to portions of the Big Island starting Saturday afternoon and continuing through the remainder of the weekend.

The Hamakua, Hilo and Kau Districts have the highest risk for flash flooding. A few lingering heavy thundershowers may persist over portions of the Big Island into Monday, especially over leeward and upslope areas.

Short period swell associated with Hone will continue building and will bring high surf and strong rip currents to east and southeast facing shores of the Big Island, starting tonight and persisting through the remainder of the weekend.