Hone had top winds of 75 mph, according to an 11 p.m. advisory by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Big Island as Hone moved west.
This image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Tropical Storm Hone as it continues to track to the west toward the Hawaiian Islands on Saturday.HONOLULU — Tropical Storm Hone increased to a Category 1 hurricane while continuing its steady approach toward Hawaii late Saturday, forecasters said.
The storm, whose name is Hawaiian for “sweet and soft,” drew near the islands Saturday with breezes that were expected to intensify and increase the wildfire risk for drier parts of the state even as memories are still fresh from last year's deadly blazes on Maui. The situation recalls last year's deadly wildfires on Maui, which were fueled by hurricane-force winds. But while Hone presents high fire dangers, “it’s not on the magnitude of that,” weather service meteorologist Derek Wroe in Honolulu said Saturday.
“All you need is fire and wind and we’ll have another Lahaina,” Endo said in the morning. “I notice the wind started to kick up already." Firefighters remained on the scene of a small blaze that started Friday night in Waikoloa, on the dry side of the Big Island, according to Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth. It was under control and did not cause any injuries or damage.
Officials were closing some Big Island beach parks in anticipation of dangerously high surf and preparing to open shelters if needed, Roth said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tropical Storm Hone increases to Category 1 hurricane strength on approach to HawaiiHone had top winds of 75 mph, according to an 11 p.m. advisory by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Big Island as Hone moved west.
Read more »
Hurricane Hone moves south of Hawaii's Big Island as Category 1 stormHone is moving westerly at 12 mph and is about 105 miles south of Hilo, Hawaii.
Read more »
Tropical Storm Hone increases to Category 1 hurricane strength while approaching HawaiiTropical Storm Hone has increased to a Category 1 hurricane while continuing its steady approach toward Hawaii late Saturday.
Read more »
Tropical Storm Hone forms in central Pacific Ocean, Gilma still Category 3 hurricaneForecasters say Tropical Storm Hone has formed in the central Pacific Ocean
Read more »
Tropical Storm Hone forms in Pacific, could impact Hawaii this weekendThe center of Tropical Storm Hone could pass near or south of Hawaii's Big Island this weekend, forecasters said.
Read more »
Tropical Storm Hone threatens Hawaii with fire and floodsThe Atlantic hurricane season might be quiet for now, but the same can’t be said in the Pacific, where Tropical Storm Hone is threatening to deliver a weekend blow to Hawaii.
Read more »