Hawaii Tribune-Herald-Storm Update
Weather disturbance "expected to become a tropical storm on Thursday."
Views expressed in this Hawaii Island news update are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 12 August 2026, 2324 UTC.
Content and Source: "Hawaii Tribune-Herald."
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2026/08/12/hawaii-news/weather-system-east-of-hawaii-expected-to-arrive-as-a-tropical-storm/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking
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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsmonitor.blogspot.com).
UPDATE: Weather disturbance east of Hilo strengthens and is expected to become a tropical storm on Thursday
UPDATED 11:44 a.m.
Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C strengthened today as it moved toward Hawaii, with forecasters saying the system is expected to become a tropical storm Thursday and that a tropical storm or hurricane watch could be required for portions of the state by early Thursday.
ADVERTISING
At 11 a.m. today, the system was about 895 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,100 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. It was moving west at about 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, up from 35 mph early today.
The system is forecast to move west to west-northwest during the next several days, with its center nearing the Hawaiian Islands by late Friday.
Although the system has strengthened, it still lacks organized shower and thunderstorm activity, the hurricane center said. It has a 90% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within 48 hours and over the next seven days.
Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend as far as 275 miles northeast of the system’s center.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said there were no major changes to the forecast this morning but continued to warn of potential tropical cyclone impacts this weekend.
Residents and visitors should prepare now, the weather service said, as the system could bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, mudslides and dangerous surf.
The hurricane center forecasts 5 to 10 inches of rain across much of the island chain, with maximum totals of 20 inches possible. The rainfall could produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain.
The latest weather service forecast favors Hawaii island and Maui County for the highest rainfall potential, although the areas receiving the heaviest rain could change as the system develops and its track becomes clearer.
There is also an increasing risk of wind impacts across the islands regardless of the system’s exact track. Weather officials said damaging winds could occur even if the center remains offshore.
Swells generated by the system are expected to reach east-facing shores Friday and spread westward while building through the weekend. The hurricane center warned of potentially life-threatening surf and rip currents.
PREVIOUSLY
A tropical disturbance east-southeast of Hawaii is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm before nearing the islands late Friday, prompting forecasters to warn residents to prepare now for potentially dangerous winds, heavy rain, flooding and large surf.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center designated the system Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C early today, with the disturbance about 935 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,140 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. It was moving west at about 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
The system had a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 48 hours and over the next seven days, forecasters said. A tropical storm or hurricane watch will likely be needed for portions of the Hawaiian Islands by early Thursday.
The system is forecast to move west to west-northwest over the next several days, with its center nearing the Hawaiian Islands by late Friday. The exact track and strength remain uncertain, and forecasters said the severity and location of the impacts will become clearer as the system becomes better organized.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said the system could bring 5 to 10 inches of rain across much of the island chain, with maximum totals of 20 inches possible. The rainfall could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain.
Hawaii Island and Maui County currently have the highest potential for heavy rainfall, although that forecast could change as the system develops.
Strong winds are also possible, with the NWS warning that damaging winds could affect the islands even if the storm’s center remains offshore. The latest state forecast calls for tropical storm conditions to be possible as early as Friday night on Hawaii Island and across much of the state Saturday and Sunday.
This tropical disturbance formed closer to Hawaii than cyclones typically arise, meaning impacts could occur with less warning than usual, according to a press release from the office of Mayor Kimo Alameda.
“We are closely tracking the development of this storm system and actively preparing for any hazards that could affect our island,” Alameda said in the press release. “While the magnitude of impacts is uncertain at this time, the best way to keep you and your family safe is to prepare now and stay connected.
“Take the time to check on your home and follow official county channels, including our emergency alerts, and local news sources for updates.”
The county urges residents to take the following steps to limit damage from storms and keep themselves safe:
— Make a plan for how to shelter at home or move to safe shelter before a storm arrives. Discuss it with your family.
— Check around your home and trim vegetation that could be downed by wind and cause damage. Secure objects that could become airborne.
— Clear any debris that may block water from draining freely.
— Make sure you have emergency food, water and medication for everyone in your household (including pets).
— Be ready for power outages.
Forecasters said fire weather concerns could also increase Friday as winds strengthen and a dry, stable air mass moves over the islands. The combination of lower humidity and stronger winds could create near-critical fire weather conditions.
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