tropical storm Honing becomes Category 1 Hurricane approaching Saturday night hawaiiattract attention wildfire Risks and adverse weather conditions across the island.
Horn, located about 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of Hilo, had strong winds of 75 mph (120 kph), just above the hurricane threshold of 74 mph (119 kph). big island According to the Associated Press, it is 275 miles (440 kilometers) southeast of Honolulu, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) in Honolulu.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Big Island as the storm is moving westward at 12 mph (19 km/h). The hurricane is expected to reach peak intensity between Sunday and Monday, with forecasters warning of dangerous conditions across the state.
The hurricane’s name “Hone” – which means “sweet and gentle” in Hawaiian – contrasts with the strong winds and violent weather. rain Expected to hit the Leeward side of Hawaii, which is particularly dry due to persistent rain drought situation.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that much of the state is either abnormally dry or experiencing drought, increasing the risk of wildfires. a red flag fire warning The rules apply to the leeward sides of all islands, which remain prone to fires due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
“They have to take this seriously,” said Calvin Endo, a resident of Makaha, a wildfire-prone area on Oahu’s Leeward Coast. He expressed concern about the dry brush surrounding the community, saying, “All you need is fire and wind and we’re going to have another Lahaina.””.
“Times have changed and we have to be prepared for anything,” Endo said, echoing the concerns of many on the island.
The threat is reminiscent of the devastating wildfires that devastated Maui last year, destroying the town of Lahaina and killing 102 people. However, National Weather Service meteorologists assured the public that Horn did not pose the same catastrophic threat.
Meteorologist Derek Wroe said that while the Horn may increase wildfire risk, “it’s not to a significant degree,” referring to the 2023 Lahaina Fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate downed power lines may have caused the problem.
Hawaiian Electric Co. and Kauai Utility Cooperative both announced they are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to shut off power if conditions worsen to prevent potential fires caused by damaged power lines.
Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth reports firefighters contained a small fire in Waikoloa Friday night. Although the fire caused no damage or casualties, the mayor said “bands of rain” were expected throughout the day.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches (11 to 25 cm) are expected in the east and southeast of the Big Island, with sustained winds of 20 to 40 mph (32 to 64 km/h) and gusts near 60 mph (97 km/h). km/h). Some beach parks on the Big Island have been closed and officials are preparing to open shelters if necessary.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Gilma, currently far from land, has strengthened to Category 3 status but is expected to weaken as it moves into cooler waters and a more stable atmosphere. Hawaii remains on high alert as Horn approaches, urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and postpone outdoor activities until the storm passes.
Horn, located about 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of Hilo, had strong winds of 75 mph (120 kph), just above the hurricane threshold of 74 mph (119 kph). big island According to the Associated Press, it is 275 miles (440 kilometers) southeast of Honolulu, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) in Honolulu.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Big Island as the storm is moving westward at 12 mph (19 km/h). The hurricane is expected to reach peak intensity between Sunday and Monday, with forecasters warning of dangerous conditions across the state.
The hurricane’s name “Hone” – which means “sweet and gentle” in Hawaiian – contrasts with the strong winds and violent weather. rain Expected to hit the Leeward side of Hawaii, which is particularly dry due to persistent rain drought situation.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that much of the state is either abnormally dry or experiencing drought, increasing the risk of wildfires. a red flag fire warning The rules apply to the leeward sides of all islands, which remain prone to fires due to high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
“They have to take this seriously,” said Calvin Endo, a resident of Makaha, a wildfire-prone area on Oahu’s Leeward Coast. He expressed concern about the dry brush surrounding the community, saying, “All you need is fire and wind and we’re going to have another Lahaina.””.
“Times have changed and we have to be prepared for anything,” Endo said, echoing the concerns of many on the island.
The threat is reminiscent of the devastating wildfires that devastated Maui last year, destroying the town of Lahaina and killing 102 people. However, National Weather Service meteorologists assured the public that Horn did not pose the same catastrophic threat.
Meteorologist Derek Wroe said that while the Horn may increase wildfire risk, “it’s not to a significant degree,” referring to the 2023 Lahaina Fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate downed power lines may have caused the problem.
Hawaiian Electric Co. and Kauai Utility Cooperative both announced they are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to shut off power if conditions worsen to prevent potential fires caused by damaged power lines.
Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth reports firefighters contained a small fire in Waikoloa Friday night. Although the fire caused no damage or casualties, the mayor said “bands of rain” were expected throughout the day.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches (11 to 25 cm) are expected in the east and southeast of the Big Island, with sustained winds of 20 to 40 mph (32 to 64 km/h) and gusts near 60 mph (97 km/h). km/h). Some beach parks on the Big Island have been closed and officials are preparing to open shelters if necessary.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Gilma, currently far from land, has strengthened to Category 3 status but is expected to weaken as it moves into cooler waters and a more stable atmosphere. Hawaii remains on high alert as Horn approaches, urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and postpone outdoor activities until the storm passes.
