HONOLULU — Tropical Storm Hone is making its way towards Hawaii, with wind gusts and heavy rainfall expected to impact the Big Island over the weekend. Concerns are rising about potential flooding and wind damage, particularly affecting the island’s drier areas and raising the risk of wildfires.
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning covering Hawaii County, which includes all of the Big Island, as well as a red flag warning for the leeward sides of all islands.
Hone, which translates to “sweet and soft” in Hawaiian, had maximum winds of 65 mph (105 kph) early Saturday. It is projected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane when it passes near or south of the Big Island from Saturday night into early Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority advised travelers that it remains safe to visit the islands, although they should consider postponing outdoor activities.
Hone was located approximately 290 miles (465 kilometers) east-southeast of Hilo and 500 miles (805 kilometers) east-southeast of Honolulu early Saturday morning.
The eastern and southeastern regions of the Big Island may experience rainfall amounts ranging from 5 to 10 inches (11 to 25 centimeters). Sustained winds could reach 20 to 40 mph (32 to 64 kph), with gusts approaching 60 mph (97 kph).
Dry air north of the storm is expected to create arid conditions across the islands on Saturday, in conjunction with strong winds that heighten wildfire risks. Most areas in the state are currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions or are in drought status, as noted by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
A red flag warning from the weather service will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, indicating heightened fire dangers due to warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds. Winds are anticipated to be strongest as they blow downslope from higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes, as advised by the hurricane center.
This situation brings to mind the devastating wildfires on Maui last year, which were exacerbated by hurricane-force winds. However, experts indicate that the wildfire risks posed by Hone are lower than those observed previously, according to a meteorologist in Honolulu.
The August 8, 2023 wildfire that ravaged the historic town of Lahaina resulted in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, fueled partly by powerful winds from a hurricane to Hawaii’s south. The fiery disaster led to 102 fatalities, exacerbated by dry, overgrown grasses and ongoing drought conditions.
Hawaiian Electric and the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative are actively monitoring the situation this weekend, prepared to shut off power if necessary to prevent live, damaged power lines from starting fires.
The cause of the Lahaina fire remains under investigation, with possibilities including ignition from bare electrical wires and leaning power poles affected by strong winds.
Following closely behind Tropical Storm Hone is Category 2 Hurricane Gilma, which is expected to weaken over cooler waters and dryer air in the upcoming days. It is forecast to downgrade to a tropical depression by Wednesday. While Gilma may bring rain to Hawaii, the extent of that rainfall remains uncertain, according to meteorological experts.
