According to a report by Fox Weather, thousands of residents are without power as Hurricane Hone continues to impact the Hawaiian Islands.
Hurricane Hone has made its closest approach to Hawaii, passing about 45 miles south-southwest of South Point on the Big Island early Sunday morning. The Category 1 hurricane has brought damaging wind gusts, flooding rain, and dangerous waves to the islands, causing widespread power outages and road closures.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) in Honolulu has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii's Big Island, where communities like Hilo are experiencing repeated rounds of squally weather.
Flash Flood Warnings have been issued for the Big Island as rainfall intensifies, with some areas experiencing precipitation rates of up to 2 inches per hour. The National Weather Service has warned of potential flooding in streams, rivers, and low-lying areas, as well as the risk of landslides and mudslides in areas with steep terrain.
Hone is expected to produce rainfall totals between 6 and 12 inches over mainly windward or southeast-facing slopes on the Big Island, with locally higher amounts possible. Lower rainfall totals are anticipated for the smaller islands in the chain.
Several areas on the Big Island have already recorded significant rainfall, with Nahuku receiving 15.81 inches, while Kanakaleonui and Hakalau have both seen more than 14 inches of rain.
The storm's impact has led to widespread power outages across the Hawaiian Islands. PowerOutage.us reports that more than 21,000 customers are currently without electricity, a number that has been steadily rising as the storm progresses.
In response to the approaching hurricane, Hawaii County Mayor Mitchell D. Roth declared a state of emergency and urged residents to prepare for the storm's impacts. Mayor Roth stated:
I want to make sure everyone is taking care of the things they need to take care of around the house. Going through their preventative checklist, whether it's putting aside water or clothes or things like that.
Additionally, Hawaii Governor Josh Green issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency for the entire state, which will remain in effect through at least Monday. Shelters have been opened on the Big Island to provide safe havens for residents until conditions improve.
The storm has caused numerous road closures due to flooding and downed trees, significantly impacting travel across the affected areas. Hawaii's Department of Transportation has announced that while the terminal at Hilo International Airport remains open, passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as delays and cancellations are possible.
As of the latest update from the CPHC, Hurricane Hone was located about 100 miles southwest of Kona and 175 miles south-southeast of Honolulu. The storm is moving westward at a speed of 12 mph, a motion expected to continue into Monday, with a slight slowing anticipated thereafter.
Hurricane Hone currently has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph with some higher gusts. However, a recent flight by the U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters has confirmed that Hone is beginning to weaken after a period of intensification overnight.
Hurricane Hone continues to pose significant threats to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly the Big Island. Residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities as the storm progresses. The combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high surf has already caused widespread disruptions, and these conditions are expected to persist in the coming hours. As emergency response efforts continue, the full extent of Hone's impact on Hawaii will become clearer in the days ahead.
