First Alert Forecast: Diminishing winds and rain as Hurricane Hone tracks away
Respite from the Storm
After a night of atmospheric uproar, a semblance of serenity is returning to Hawaii Islands as Hurricane Hone tracks away westwards. The tornado has caused substantial inconvenience with heavy downpours and gusty winds, primarily in the windward areas of Hawaii Island. As the trail of the hurricane dissipates, conditions are looking up with gradual decrease in winds and rain. However, some threat of showers and flash flooding persists in isolated locations.
Wind Advisory in Effect
A wind advisory remains posted statewide as of now, despite the wind speeds already showing signs of slowing down. The advisory is predicted to lapse by 6 a.m. Monday, offering some relief for the local population. Residents of Hawaii Island still need to be cautious as a flood watch will stay in effect through Monday evening. The heavy rain registered overnight has left soil waterlogged with several areas recording 15 to 20 inches of rainfall. Flash flooding could be triggered with even a small amount of additional rain.
Further Tropical Activity Expected
Weather services have raised a First Alert for potential tropical activity in the midweek when the remnants of Hurricane Gilma are expected to approach from the east. This added a new layer of uncertainty to the already struggling weather conditions. The trajectory of this tropical circulation could either lead to a warmer, more humid environment or it could augment trade wind showers.
Surfing Conditions
Sea conditions too have taken a turn. The swell generated by the Hurricane Hone that encapsulated the eastern shores of Hawaii Island has rapidly dissolved. A small surge in wave height due to stronger trade winds is however still keeping the advisory-level surf conditions in effect for some of the smaller islands overnight. South and southeast-facing shores are expected to see a mild upsurge of waves early Monday due to Hone’s influence before returning to normal levels. North shores will remain calm and undisturbed over the next several days offering an excellent opportunity for mariners and recreational swimmers.
Advice for Mariners
Mariners must exercise caution with a small craft advisory currently in effect for coastal waters until 6 a.m. Monday. This includes Maalaea Bay and the Pailolo and Alenuihaha channels where a gale warning has been declared. Caution and vigilance will serve seafarers well during these uncertain times.
Effects of Hurricane Hone
Widespread effects of Hurricane Hone have been felt across Hawaii, resulting in numerous closures and cancellations. Power outages were also reported with over 3,000 customers experiencing blackouts on Hawaii Island. As the Hurricane weakens and draws away, conditions are expected to normalize across the board.
The next few days serve as a period of intense alertness, vigilance, and monitoring with weather developments expected in the midweek. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to stay informed.
