The Hawaiian Islands are on high alert as two tropical cyclones, Hone and Gilma, approach the archipelago in quick succession, potentially delivering a rare one-two punch of severe weather to the state. Tropical Storm Hone is expected to pass just south of the Big Island later this weekend, while Hurricane Gilma looms on the horizon, potentially threatening the island chain by midweek. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu has issued warnings for high winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous surf conditions across much of the state. Hone was located about 620 miles east-southeast of Hilo, and a tropical storm warning is in place for the waters surrounding Hawaii, with a tropical storm watch for the Big Island and a small craft advisory for the other islands.
The NWS expects Hone to gradually strengthen and continue moving toward the west over the next couple of days. The latest forecast track brings the center of Hone near or south of the Big Island from Saturday night into Sunday morning as a strong tropical storm. Hone will then strengthen to a Hurricane late Sunday into Monday as it passes south of Kauai and Oahu. While rain will be a threat for the Big Island, there is little threat of storm surge flooding. The NWS warns that hazardous winds could damage infrastructure like porches, awnings, carports, or sheds. Winds also could snap large tree limbs, with some trees succumbing to the storm. Debris might make roads impassable, and there could be scattered power and communication outages.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the approach of Hurricane Gilma, which formed in the Pacific and is the ocean’s second hurricane of the season. While Gilma is expected to weaken considerably as it nears Hawaii, its exact track and intensity remain uncertain. The Pacific Hurricane Season has seen heightened activity this year, with seven named storms already. Acuweather meteorologists expect both Hone and Gilma to have some impact on the islands, with wind gusts of 40-60 mph expected across the southernmost islands and even higher gusts possible in some areas. Heavy rain is also expected across portions of the Hawaiian Islands, with the potential for significant accumulations on the windward side of the mountains of the Big Island.
Back-to-back tropical cyclone impacts are extremely rare in Hawaii, with two named storms not passing within 300 miles of the main islands within a week since 1992. As Hone approaches and Gilma looms on the horizon, Hawaii’s residents and visitors are being urged to stay vigilant and prepared. The coming days will test Hawaii’s resilience as the state faces this rare double threat of tropical cyclones. The combination of Hone and Gilma will likely bring an extended period of rough seas and surf to the islands, posing dangers to boarders, swimmers, and small craft. It is important for residents and visitors to stay updated on the latest forecasts and advisories from the NWS and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of heightened tropical weather activity.
