# Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii's Big Island Through Saturday Afternoon

**Big Island, Hawaii —** The National Weather Service in Honolulu has placed the entire Big Island under a Tropical Storm Warning early Saturday morning, with tropical storm conditions expected across the island and dangerous seas building around its shores. The warning was issued at 4:59 AM HST Saturday, September 26.

**What is happening:**

The warning covers every district of the Big Island — Kona, Kohala, Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Milolii, and the island's north, south, east, southeast, interior, and summit zones. A separate warning is in effect for the surrounding waters, including the Alenuihaha Channel and the windward, leeward, and southeast waters off the Big Island. Forecasters have also posted a Hurricane Watch for those waters, meaning hurricane-force conditions are possible there. The warnings remain in effect through Saturday afternoon — until 1:00 PM HST for land areas and 6:00 PM HST for coastal waters.

**Local impacts:**

On the water, forecasters say tropical storm conditions are expected: extremely strong winds whipping up hazardous seas that could capsize or damage boats and cut visibility to near zero in driving spray. On land, the wind threat has eased — sustained winds are running 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts to 20 — but conditions will stay gusty. The bigger land concern is storm surge: forecasters warn of localized flooding 1 to 3 feet above ground in surge-prone areas starting early this morning. Heavy tropical rain can pile up fast, and local officials are already assessing reported impacts.

**What to do:**

- Boaters: stay in port. Secure vessels now, before conditions deteriorate further.

- If you live in a low-lying or surge-prone area, finish your storm preparations and leave immediately if local officials order an evacuation.

- Never drive through flooded roads — water just inches deep can sweep a vehicle away.

- Keep emergency supplies ready in case the forecast changes.

- Follow guidance from Hawaii County officials and keep watching for updates.

*Source: National Weather Service Honolulu. Issued September 26, 2026.*