Hurricane Hone Drenches Hawaii with Torrential Rain; Another Storm Looms
Tropical Warnings Persist in Hawaii
The idyllic Hawaiian island landscape faced an unwelcome disturbance as dual hurricane threats descended upon it, an unusual occurrence promising an onslaught of rain and wind in succession within one week. The Big Island of Hawaii experienced a tropical storm warning until early Sunday afternoon as Hurricane Hone swerved to its south. Evolved to a Category 1 storm overnight, Hurricane Hone introduced significant rainfall and wind, although it thankfully did not land a direct hit.
” Widespread rainfall of 10 to 15 inches has already cascaded over the windward Big Island within the last 24 hours, with isolated extreme quantities reaching upwards of 18 inches or more, ” according to a statement by the National Weather Service at around 11 a.m. Hawaii time. The same source affirms that ” additional rainfall estimates of 3 to 5 inches will maintain a moderate to high risk of flash flooding on a majority of Hawaii County today. “
Storm Triggers Flood and Fire Concerns
In addition to the flash flooding threat, the excessive rain heightened the possibility of mudslides in mountainous regions. It did, however, mitigate the likelihood of winds spurring a catastrophic wildfire akin to the one that ravaged the town of Lahaina in Maui during the previous year’s August. The intense downpour led to the retraction of the National Weather Service’s red flag warning for potential wildfires in drier Hawaiian zones.
Although predicted to weaken, Hone is primed to introduce gusty winds and substantial rainfall to Hawaii’s smaller islands throughout Monday as it trails westwards. ” Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions ” were also forewarned by The National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane Gilma Approaching
A subsequent, currently major, hurricane named Gilma could potentially affect Hawaii in the coming days. As of Sunday, Hurricane Gilma was more than 1,300 miles east of the Big Island, inflicting sustained winds of up to 115 mph – fitting for its Category 3 status – whilst residing comfortably away from land in the eastern north Pacific Ocean. The remaining question, however, is whether Gilma can maintain its intensity throughout its westwards journey towards Hawaii.
Record-Breaking Storm Patterns
Having two named storms approach within 300 miles of the main Hawaiian islands in the span of seven days is a phenomenon not seen since 1992. It’s noteworthy that more than 40% of the tropical cyclones affecting the state occur in August.
Adding to the list, a third storm system, proceeding Gilma and positioned nearly 1,800 miles west of Baja California, expanded sufficiently to secure a tropical storm status on Sunday. Named Hector, this storm is producing winds of up to 45 mph, with a slow but steady increase in strength expected in the coming days.
