Hurricane Hone Brings Damaging Winds and Flooding to Hawaii Island

By TNW News Staff

HILO, Hawaii (August 25, 2024) – Hurricane Hone has made its closest approach to Hawaii, passing just 50 miles south of the Big Island early Sunday morning. The Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, continues to batter Hawaii Island with torrential rain, damaging wind gusts, and large, dangerous waves.

As of 6 a.m. Sunday, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Hone's winds had increased slightly, with hurricane-force winds extending outward 25 miles from the storm’s center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 115 miles.

Current Warnings and Advisories:

• A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Hawaii Island, as the island continues to experience the brunt of Hone's powerful winds and heavy rainfall.
• A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for most of Hawaii Island, with some areas already recording over a foot of rain. Hakalau, in particular, received 13.55 inches of rain in the past 24 hours.
• A Flood Watch is in effect through Monday evening, with officials warning of potential landslides and hazardous road conditions.
• A Wind Advisory is in place for the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, with northeast winds of 30-40 mph and localized gusts over 50 mph expected until 6 a.m. Monday.
• A Hurricane Warning has been issued for Hawaiian offshore waters, from 40 nautical miles out to 240 nautical miles. Wave heights are anticipated to increase significantly, with some waves reaching twice the average height.

Impact and Preparations:

Hawaii County officials have reported power outages in the Honokaa and Paauilo areas. The Waipio Valley Access Road has been closed, and all eastern-facing beach parks from Laupahoehoe to Whittington Beach Park are closed until further notice.

Public shelters on Hawaii Island have been opened since noon on Saturday to accommodate residents in need of safe refuge from the storm.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay indoors, avoid coastal areas, and monitor local alerts for further updates as Hurricane Hone continues its westward journey.

For more updates on Hurricane Hone and other weather news, visit TNWWeather.com or follow us on our social media channels.