Hurricane Hone strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approached Hawaii Sunday morning, bringing damaging wind gusts and flooding rain to the Big Island. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) in Honolulu said Hurricane Hone reached its closest point of approach to the Big Island, with winds of 85 mph with some higher gusts passing about 45 miles south-southwest of South Point, Hawaii.
Flash Flood Warnings were issued for the Big Island with some areas seeing rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour. Hone is expected to produce rainfall totals between 6 and 12 inches over mainly windward or southeast-facing slopes on the Big Island, with locally higher amounts. The National Weather Service has warned that flooding in streams and rivers is likely, with concerns that the heavy precipitation could lead to landslides and mudslides in areas with steep terrain.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Hawaii’s Big Island; the loss of power to thousands of utility customers also forced officials to close several roads due to flooding. More than a foot of rain has already fallen in many areas of Hawaii’s Big Island, including Nahuku, which picked up 15.81 inches of rain so far, as well as Kanakaleonui and Hakalau, which both picked up more than 14 inches of rain.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitchell D. Roth declared a state of emergency ahead of the hurricane and urged residents to prepare for the storm’s impacts: “I want to make sure everyone is taking care of the things they need to take care of around the house. Going through their preventative checklist, whether it’s putting aside water or clothes or things like that.”
Additionally, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green also issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in the state of Hawaii that will remain in effect through Monday. Hawaii’s Department of Transportation said the terminal at Hilo International Airport remains open, but passengers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport in case there are delays or cancellations.
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