Tag Archives: Hilo

Hone Prompts Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County

The potential risk posed by Tropical Storm Hone prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Hone was located at latitude 16.9°N and longitude 149.3°W which put the center about 425 miles (685 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Hone was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Hawaii County (the Big Island).

Tropical Storm Hone strengthened gradually on Friday.  The low level circulation of Tropical Storm Hone was well developed and very symmetrical.  More thunderstorms developed in the inner end of a rainband that wrapped around the eastern side of the center of Hone’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Hone.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

Even though the low level circulation of Tropical Storm Hone was very symmetrical, the distribution of winds speeds was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the northern side of Hone’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles in the southern side of Tropical Storm Hone.

Tropical Storm Hone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Hone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Hone is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Hone will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific and Central Pacific.  The high pressure system will steer Hone toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center Tropical Storm Hone will pass just south of Hawaii County (the Big Island) on Saturday night.

Even though the center of Tropical Storm Hone is likely to pass south of Hawaii, it could bring winds to tropical storm force to Hawaii County.  Hone could also produce locally heavy rain.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Gilma weakened gradually east of Hawaii.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Gilma was located at latitude 17.5°N and longitude 128.4°W which put the center about 1750 miles (2820 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Gilma was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

 

Tropical Storm Hone Forms East-southeast of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Hone formed east-southeast of Hawaii on Thursday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Hone was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 142.2°W which put the center about 885 miles (1430 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Hone was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

A low pressure system over the Central Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Hawaii strengthened on Thursday afternoon and the U.S. Central Pacific Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Hone.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Hone’s circulation on Thursday afternoon.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Hone.  Storms near the center of Hone began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Hone was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 20 miles in the northern side of Hone’s circulation.  The winds in the southern part of Tropical Storm Hone were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Hone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Hone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific and the Central Pacific.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Hone’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Hone is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Hone will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific and Central Pacific.  The high pressure system will steer Hone toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Hone will move closer to Hawaii.  Hone could be southeast of Hawaii by Saturday evening.

Tropical Storm Hilary Forms South of Mexico

Tropical Storm Hilary formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Wednesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Hilary was located at latitude 12.4°N and longitude 102.6°W which put it about 470 miles (755 km) south-southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico. Hilary was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico strengthened on Wednesday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Hilary. The circulation around Tropical Storm Hilary was organizing quickly. Multiple bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hilary’s circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (325 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Hilary. Winds in the other parts of Hilary’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Hilary will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Hilary will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Hilary will intensify during the next 24 hours. Hilary could intensify rapidly at times. Tropical Storm Hilary is likely to strengthen to a hurricane on Thursday.

Tropical Storm Hilary will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Hilary toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Hilary will move parallel to the west coast of Mexico. Hilary will move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system during the weekend. Hilary could be near Baja California by Sunday.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Greg was spinning southeast of Hawaii and former Hurricane Fernanda weakened to a tropical storm. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Greg was located at latitude 11.8°N and longitude 151.1°W which put it about 605 miles (975 km) south-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Greg was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fernanda was located at latitude 17.1°N and longitude 126.8°W which put it about 1165 miles (1875 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Fernanda was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Tropical Storm Greg Moves Southeast of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Greg moved southeast of Hawaii on Tuesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Greg was located at latitude 11.1°N and longitude 145.9°W which put it about 850 miles (1370 km) southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Greg was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

Tropical Storm Greg strengthened a little on Tuesday morning as it moved over the Central Pacific Ocean southeast of Hawaii. Even though Tropical Storm Greg was a little stronger, the distribution of thunderstorms in Greg’s circulation was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Tropical Storm Greg. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the northern half of Greg’s circulation. The winds in the southern half of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Greg will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Greg will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Greg’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear is already contributing to an asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. The vertical wind shear may not be strong enough to prevent intensification. So, Tropical Storm Greg could intensify a little more during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Greg will move south of a high pressure system over the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Greg toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Greg will pass far to the south of Hawaii.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Fernanda weakened gradually over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Fernanda was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 121.8°W which put it about 875 miles (1405 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Fernanda was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Fernanda Rapidly Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Fernanda rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean during Sunday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Fernanda was located at latitude 15.6°N and longitude 117.7°W which put it about 715 miles (1150 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Fernanda was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

Hurricane Fernanda continued to intensify rapidly during Sunday night. A small eye was at the center of Fernanda’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Hurricane Fernanda. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Fernanda was small. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Fernanda’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 31.4.

Hurricane Fernanda will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Fernanda will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Fernanda is likely to continue to intensify during the next 12 hours. Fernanda will move over slightly cooler water on Tuesday. The cooler water will cause Fernanda to start to weaken.

Hurricane Fernanda will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fernanda toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Fernanda will move farther away from Baja California.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Greg formed east-southeast of Hawaii. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Greg was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 139.8°W which put it about 1170 miles (1885 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Greg was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb. Tropical Storm Greg is forecast to pass south of Hawaii later this week.

Hurricane Dora Moves Southeast of Hawaii

Hurricane Dora moved southeast of Hawaii on Monday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Dora was located at latitude 12.0°N and longitude 152.3°W which put it about 565 miles (905 km) south-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Dora was moving toward the west at 23 m.p.h. (37 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 953 mb.

Hurricane Dora weakened slightly on Monday. The structure of Dora continued to be very symmetrical. An eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Hurricane Dora. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Dora’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Dora increased a little on Monday. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Dora’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 35.0.

Hurricane Dora will move through an environment that will be favorable for a major hurricane during the next 24 hours. Dora will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26.5°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Dora could move into a region where the air is a little drier. Since the circulation around Hurricane Dora is so small, any changes in the environment will have large effects on the intensity of Dora. Hurricane Dora could weaken a little more during the next 24 hours because of the drier air.

Hurricane Dora will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Dora toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Dora will pass south of Hawaii on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Eugene weakened west of Baja California on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Eugene was located at latitude 25.1°N and longitude 120.4°W which put it about 680 miles (1095 km) west-northwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Eugene was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

Tropical Storm Calvin Brings Gusty Winds and Rain to Hawaii

Tropical Storm Calvin brought gusty winds and rain to Hawaii on Wednesday. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Calvin was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 155.6°W which put it about 160 miles (260 km) south of Hilo, Hawaii. Calvin was moving toward the west at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Hawaii County.

After Tropical Storm Calvin strengthened late on Tuesday, it started to weaken again on Wednesday morning. An upper level trough northwest of Hawaii was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Calvin’s circulation. There were strong easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere. The combination of southwesterly winds in the upper troposphere and easterly winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere caused strong vertical wind shear. The winds in the upper troposphere blew the top part of Tropical Storm Calvin toward the northeast. The strong easterly winds near the surface pushed the lower part of Calvin quickly toward the west.

The strong vertical wind shear caused Tropical Storm Calvin to weaken on Wednesday morning. The center of Calvin at the surface was passing south of the Big Island of Hawaii. Bands revolving around the center at the surface consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Calvin where the wind was pushing air up the eastern slopes of the Hawaiian Islands. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) in the northern side of Calvin’s circulation. Winds in the southern part of Calvin were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Calvin will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Calvin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. However, the upper level trough northwest of Hawaii will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Calvin will weaken to a tropical depression during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Calvin will continue to produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain in Hawaii during the next 24 hours. The strongest wind gusts will occur at higher elevations. Calvin could cause isolated minor wind damage. Locally heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations. Flood Watches are in effect for the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.

Tropical Storm Calvin Speeds Toward Hawaii

Tropical Storm Calvin sped toward Hawaii on Tuesday. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Calvin was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 150.5°W which put it about 330 miles (640 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. Calvin was moving toward the west at 22 m.p.h. (35 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Hawaii County.

Tropical Storm Calvin appeared to be getting stronger on Tuesday afternoon. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Calvin’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Even though Tropical Storm Calvin appeared to be strengthening, the vertical structure of Calvin’s circulation seemed to tilt a little to the north in the middle and upper levels of the troposphere. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Calvin. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the southern side of Calvin.

Tropical Storm Calvin will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Calvin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures will increase to 26˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are blowing from the south. Those winds are not very strong, but they will cause some vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Calvin could strengthen during the next 24 hours in spite of the vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Calvin will move around the southern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Calvin toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Calvin will move near the Big Island of Hawaii on Tuesday night. Calvin will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Hawaii on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Flood Watches are in effect for the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.

Calvin Prompts Tropical Storm Watch for Hawaii

The potential impacts of Tropical Storm Calvin prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Watch for Hawaii. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Calvin was located at latitude 16.8°N and longitude 141.4°W which put it about 920 miles (1480 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii. Calvin was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Hawaii County.

The U.S. Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Hawaii County on Monday morning because of the potential effects of Tropical Storm Calvin. Former Hurricane Calvin weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday as it moved over cooler water east of Hawaii. Tropical Storm Calvin moved over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures were near 24˚C. Less energy was transported into the atmosphere from the cooler water and many of the thunderstorms in Calvin’s circulation dissipated. The bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Calvin consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the northern side of Calvin’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the southern side of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Calvin will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Calvin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25˚C. It will move through a region where then upper level winds that are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Calvin could continue to weaken during the next 24 hours because of the cooler water even though there will be little vertical wind shear. Calvin will move over slightly warmer water when it gets closer to Hawaii.

Tropical Storm Calvin will move around the southern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Calvin toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Calvin will move near Hawaii on Tuesday night. Calvin could still be a tropical storm when it approaches Hawaii. Tropical Storm Calvin will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Hawaii on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Hurricane Calvin Churns Toward the Central Pacific

Hurricane Calvin churned toward the Central Pacific Ocean on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Calvin was located at latitude 15.0°N and longitude 130.4°W which put it about 1660 miles (2670 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii. Calvin was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

Hurricane Calvin weakened on Saturday when it moved over cooler water east of Hawaii. Thunderstorms around the center of Calvin’s circulation did not rise as high into the atmosphere. The structure of Hurricane Calvin remained well organized even though the hurricane was weaker. A small circular eye was still present at the center of Calvin’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Calvin. Storms near the core still generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Calvin was small. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Calvin’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Calvin was 16.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 25.8.

Hurricane Calvin will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Calvin will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 25˚C. It will move through a region where then upper level winds that are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Calvin will continue to weaken during the next 24 hours because of the cooler water even though there will be little vertical wind shear.

Hurricane Calvin will move around the southern part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Calvin toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Calvin will continue to move toward the Central Pacific Ocean. Calvin could approach Hawaii on Tuesday. Calvin could still be a tropical storm when it approaches Hawaii.