Tag Archives: Hawaii

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.

Gilma Strengthens to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Gilma strengthened to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Baja California and Hawaii on Thursday morning.   At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Gilma was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 124.2°W which put the center about 1025 miles (1650 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Gilma was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

Hurricane Gilma strengthened to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Baja California and Hawaii on Thursday morning.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was present at the center of Gilma’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 were revolving around the core of Hurricane Gilma.  Storms near the core of Gilma generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Hurricane Gilma was symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gilma’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Hurricane Gilma.

Hurricane Gilma will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gilma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern north Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gilma’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Gilma is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Gilma will move around the southern side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gilma slowly toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gilma will move farther away from Baja California.

 

Gilma Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Gilma intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean between Baja California and Mexico on Wednesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Gilma was located at latitude 16.0°N and longitude 122.8°W which put the center about 965 miles (1555 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Gilma was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Gilma intensified to a hurricane between Baja California and Hawaii on Wednesday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Hurricane Gilma.  A circular eye was evident on microwave satellite images of Gilma.  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 Hurricane Gilma.  Storms near the center of Gilma’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Hurricane Gilma was more symmetrical on Wednesday morning.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gilma’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hurricane Gilma.

Hurricane Gilma will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gilma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Eastern north Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gilma’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Gilma will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Gilma could strengthen to a major hurricane later this week.

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

 

Tropical Storm Kenneth Strengthens a Little

Tropical Storm Kenneth strengthened a little over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Kenneth was located at latitude 15.7°N and longitude 124.2°W which put it about 1055 miles (1700 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Kenneth was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.

Tropical Storm Kenneth got a little stronger on Wednesday, but the distribution of thunderstorms around was still asymmetrical. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western side of the center of Kenneth’s circulation. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in that rainband. Bands in the eastern half of Tropical Storm Kenneth consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the northern side of Kenneth’s circulation. The winds in the southern part of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Kenneth will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Kenneth will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. An upper level trough east of Hawaii will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kenneth’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Tropical Storm Kenneth will start to weaken when the vertical wind shear increases.

Tropical Storm Kenneth will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Kenneth toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Kenneth will stay far away from Baja California and Hawaii.

Tropical Storm Kenneth Forms Southwest of Baja California

Tropical Storm Kenneth formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Tuesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Kenneth was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 121.0°W which put it about 900 miles (1450 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Kenneth was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 1004 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California strengthened on Tuesday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Kenneth. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Kenneth was very asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in a couple of bands in the northwestern part of Kenneth’s circulation. Bands in the other parts of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force were also occurring in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Kenneth. The winds in the other parts of Kenneth’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Kenneth will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Kenneth 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 Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kenneth’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Kenneth could intensify on Wednesday, if the vertical wind shear is not too strong. An upper level trough east of Hawaii will produce southwesterly winds that will affect Kenneth later this week. The southwesterly winds will cause more vertical wind shear and the wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Kenneth to weaken.

Tropical Storm Kenneth will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Kenneth toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Kenneth will move farther away from Baja California.

Hilary Rapidly Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Hilary rapidly intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Thursday morning. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the southern part of Baja California. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Hilary was located at latitude 15.2°N and longitude 107.1°W which put it about 320 miles (515 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. Hilary was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of Baja California from Cabo San Lazaro to San Evaristo, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Watch included Cabo San Lucas.

Former Tropical Storm Hilary rapidly intensified to a hurricane on Thursday morning. An eye was visible on satellite images at the center of Hurricane Hilary. 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 Hurricane Hilary. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Hilary was large. Winds to hurricane force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Hilary’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane 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. Hurricane Hilary will intensify during the next 24 hours. Hilary could intensify rapidly at times. Hurricane Hilary is likely to strengthen to a major hurricane on Friday.

Hurricane Hilary will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Hilary toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Hurricane Hilary will move toward Baja California. Hilary will move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system during the weekend. Hurricane Hilary will start to affect Baja California during the weekend.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Greg was passing south of Hawaii and Tropical Storm Fernanda continued to weaken. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Greg was located at latitude 12.1°N and longitude 154.5°W which put it about 675 miles (1085 km) south-southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii. Greg was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 1004 mb.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Fernanda was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 130.8°W which put it about 1425 miles (2290 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 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 1004 mb.

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.