Hawaii Braces for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds from Two Tropical Threats

Hawaii is preparing for severe weather conditions as two tropical threats approach the island.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that Tropical Storm Hone will pass south of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend and briefly strengthen into a hurricane late Sunday into Monday. The storm is currently about 310 miles east-southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at around 14 mph.

On Saturday, the NWS issued a tropical storm warning through Monday, cautioning that "extremely strong winds will cause hazardous seas which will likely capsize or damage vessels and severely reduce visibility."

“Tropical Storm Hone formed in the Central Pacific and is moving briskly to the west toward Hawaii,” said Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather’s chief on-air meteorologist, on Friday. “An area of high pressure north of Hawaii is going to be steering this storm.”

Additionally, weather experts warn of an “elevated risk for wildfires.”

"If Hone loses organization and some of the rain bands fall apart, the lee sides of the mountains may get very little or no rain and may get a lot of wind instead, which could increase the wildfire danger," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, on Friday.

The NWS also reports that the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, is issuing advisories for Hurricane Gilma, currently around 1650 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii.

Hurricane Hone Tracker

Hurricane Gilma Tracker

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest