Tropical Storm Hone will be at Big Island’s doorstep tonight; you only have till midday to make last-minute prep

“It’s a time to start getting prepared and making sure you have your preparations in place,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth in a reel posted at 9 a.m. Thursday on his official Facebook page.

The mayor had just finished meeting with county and state officials as well as those from other agencies such as Hawaiian Electric after Tropical Depression One-C began churning southeast of the Big Island.

Within a matter of hours, the tropical depression ramped up to become the saucy vexation that’s running up on the Big Island — a still-strengthening Tropical Storm Hone.

The storm was about 380 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 400 miles east-southeast of South Point at 8 p.m. Friday, moving west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.

Hone’s track showed its center expected to pass near or south of the island Saturday night into early Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds extended out from the center up to 115 miles.

The storm is forecast to continue intensifying during the next day, possibly becoming a hurricane by Sunday, which is earlier than projected in previous outlooks throughout the day Friday.

“If you have things that you need to clean up around the house … now’s a good time to start working on that. Same thing for wind,” said Roth in another reel posted later Thursday after the tropical depression became Hone. “We ask you to be aware of what’s going on.”

The mayor reiterated his “prepare now” message in another reel Friday morning before urging people of the island to stay tuned to the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense website, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local news outlets for the latest updates on the storm, cancellations and other information.

Roth also said to stay alert and stay safe.

But we’re only human, right?

Regardless of knowing and how many times in advance of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 in the Central Pacific, that people are told it’s impossible to precisely — 100% without a doubt, right on the money, no ifs, ands or buts — predict the movement of hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions, many still seem to enjoy living on the edge.

Staying alert, informed and prepared during the entire hurricane season — when there is a threat of any tropical cyclone — is the advice handed out every year when the Central Pacific Hurricane Center makes its prediction as to the number of storms that could be seen.

So preparations should have already happened before the storm started pulling up to the island. It’s been almost 4 months since the 2024 hurricane season outlook was issued.

And this storm has it all.

A tropical storm warning was issued for the entire island late Friday afternoon, replacing an earlier tropical storm watch. There was also a high surf advisory issued for east-facing shores through 6 a.m. Sunday and a red flag warning is in effect for leeward areas of the entire state from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

That means even wildfires are a possibility because of low humidity, strong winds and availability of dry fuels on the sides of the islands not expecting to be drenched.

There was already a brush fire burning Friday night in South Kohala that closed off a portion of Waikōloa Road.

Because of the significant amount of rainfall expected from Hone, especially along the southeastern and eastern slopes of the Big Island, a flood watch also goes into effect Saturday afternoon for the Big Island until Monday evening.

Storm totals of 5 to 10 inches of rain, with locally greater amounts, are possible along those slopes and in windward areas.

Still, some people seem to be living under a rock, asking on social media what’s coming because they haven’t watched the news lately.

Others are reluctant to think anything’s going to come of the storm, despite the multitude of warnings, watches and advisories that have been issued for it in the past couple of days, saying we’ll see or assuming this storm “will be like most of the others too” and it’s like the usual Hilo weather.

They love the rain, thunder and lightning, after all.

Don’t forget about Hurricane Lane in 2018, a Category 5 storm that passed to the south of the island, its center not even coming close to the Big Island.

The storm still dumped nearly 60 inches in 3 days on some parts of East Hawai‘i because of rainbands slowly moving over the area resulting in severe flooding, landslights and other damage, particularly in the Hilo area.

People also remembered Hurricane/Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014, which made landfall in Puna as a strong tropical storm and did plenty of damage.

The storm wreaked havoc, downing trees, cutting off power to some for months, sending storm surges over cliffs and drowning a good portion of the east side of the island.

One social media commenter Friday said flat out that Hone was going to be nasty.

Another prayed that the storm pivots all the way right and away, the island gets some after-showers or sprinkles and then sunny skies return in no time.

But not being able to know without any doubt exactly how powerful Hone will be or how close to, if not on, the island, it will get, it’s better to be safe than sorry and take the advice of another commenter: Get prepared and you’ll be fine.

Time is running out though.

The National Weather Service warns you only have until midday today.

There is only so much you can do last minute to protect life and property before a tropical storm or hurricane strikes.

So here are some actions to take when time is limited from various agencies, including Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization, National Weather Service, Hawaiian Electric, Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply and Ready.gov.

Put together an emergency kit

If possible, have up to 14 days of non-perishable food, water and emergency items. If you can’t have 14 days of supplies, have as much as you can afford.

Items to include in your emergency kit are:

• Flashlights.
• Battery-operated or crank radio.
• Extra batteries.
• Copies of medical information and other important documents.
• Hygiene products.
• First-aid supplies and medication.

See the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Hurricane Preparedness Guide for additional information.

Preparing for power outages

• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, emergency generators, battery-operated (hand-crank or solar) radios, light sticks and lanterns to be sure they are operational, and buy extra batteries.
• Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand and listen for updates about the storm.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go should the need for evacuation occur. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you.
• If you plan to use a ladder while preparing your home for the storm, note the location of power lines before you begin. Be sure that ladders or scaffolds are far enough away so that you – and the ends of the tools you’re using – stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. Before lowering a TV antennae or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV.
• If you plan to use a portable generator after the storm, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home and carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
• Keep cash on hand. If power outages happen, you might not be able to withdraw cash from banks or ATMs.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. In the event of an outage, this will prevent damage to the equipment from surges when power is restored.
• If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away. On Hawai‘i Island, call Hawaiian Electric’s trouble lne at 808-969-6666 or for emergency assistance call 9-1-1.

Click here for more preparation and safety tips.

General actions to take before and during a storm

• Secure your home. Cover all windows. Board up windows with 5/8-inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit, and ready to install. De-clutter drains and gutters and bring in outside furniture.
• Stayed tuned in: Check the websites of your local National Weather Service office and local government/emergency management office. Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio or other radio or TV stations for the latest storm news.
• Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered. If you do evacuate, pull main electrical power switch and turn off main water pipes.
• Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
• Unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances. Shut off gas valves.
• Review important documents. Make copies of your insurance documents and other personal documents such as your ID. Package these and other valuable such as jewelry in waterproof containers and keep them in a secure place or take them with you in the event you must evacuate.
• Get tech ready. Keep your cellphone charged when you know a tropical cyclone is in the forecast and have backup charging devices to power electronics.
• Take down canvas awnings or roll them up and lash them with sturdy twine.
• Check door locks to assure they will not blow open.
• Check outdoor items that might blow away or be torn loose. Secure these items as best as possible or take them inside.
• Store chemicals, fertilizers and other toxic materials in a safe section of your home.
• 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.

Pay attention to your water

• Determine your household water needs. Each person should have a minimum of 1 gallon per day for at least 14 days. Remember that pets and livestock also require water.
• Store water safely. Use only clean, dedicated, food-grade containers. Wash containers thoroughly with dishwashing soap, sanitize using 1 teaspoon of mild liquid chlorine bleach per quart of water and then rinse thoroughly. Fill containers from the tap, leaving as little air as possible. Store in a cool, dark area. More information can be found here.
• Treat drinking water. During an emergency, it might be necessary for the Hawai’i County Department of Water Supply to issue a boil water notice instructing customers to boil their tap water for at least 1 minute, allow it to cool and store in a sterilized container. Pouring water back and forth between clean containers will improve taste by adding oxygen. Chemical disinfection is another safe way of disinfecting water. Disinfect water by adding 1/8 teaspoon (about 8 to 10 drops) of chlorine bleach per gallon. Make sure the bleach contains a 5% to 9% concentration of sodium hypochlorite. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight chlorine taste, repeat the dosage and let stand 15 minutes. If the water from the tap appears discolored or otherwise suspicious, do not use it until it has been treated properly for its intended use. Click here for more information.
• Restrict water use. Extend limited supplies by restricting water during emergencies. Use water only for essential drinking and sanitation needs. No lawn watering, car/boating washing, etc.
• If needed, consider storing water in bathtubs. It can be used for flushing toilets and other hygiene uses should the water system be affected.

Preparing for the wildfire threat

• Have fire extinguishers on hand and train your family how to use them.
• Ensure that your family knows where you gas, electric and water main shut-offs are and how to use them.
• Plan several different evacuation routes.
• Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire hazard area.
• Assemble an emergency supply kit.
• Appoint an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact so you can communicate with family members who have relocated.
• Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers posted near your phone and in your emergency supply kit.
• Keep an extra emergency supply kit in your car in case you can’t get to your home because of fire.
• Have a portable radio or scanner so you can stay updated on the fire.
• Have a clear list and easy access location for necessary medications, glasses and other health aids.

If and when a wildfire ignites

• Evacuate as soon as you are set. Do not wait for evacuation orders. Get out early.
• Alert family and neighbors.
• Dress appropriately, something made from natural fibers and work boots. Have goggles and a dry bandana or particle maks handy.
• Have your emergency supply kit on hand.
• Stay tuned to your TV or local radio stations for updates or check the fire department website.
• Remain close to your house, drink plenty of water and keep an eye on your family and pets until you are ready to leave.

For additional information about preparedness, hazards, cancellations and more, along with additional resources, visit the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense website. You can also check out the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map.