Tropical Storm Hone passed 175 miles south of the Hawaiian island of Kauai early Monday morning, bringing the potential for heavy rain and flash flooding, the National Hurricane Center said.
Hoan strengthened into a hurricane overnight as it neared the Big Island. By Sunday evening, it had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, making it a Category 1 storm as it moved about 160 miles south-southwest of Honolulu.
But Hon was downgraded to a tropical storm in the NHC’s 5am update, confirming that it will continue its path from Hawaii. There are no more coastal watches or warnings.
The storm is losing strength after maximum sustained winds of 85 mph were measured earlier Sunday, according to hurricane center data. Hoan is expected to weaken to a tropical storm early Monday, the center said.
Island residents can get anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of rain and an additional 3 to 5. inches on south-facing slopes, which could lead to flooding. The hurricane center said “life-threatening” surf could be expected on the island on Sunday.
Most of the island, including Hilo and Waimea, remained under a flash flood warning until 9:15 p.m. local time, the National Weather Service office in Honolulu said.
At Hilo International Airport, some flights were canceled and “routine decisions” were made about flight departures. State Transport Department said.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed its Mauna Loa summit and coastal backcountry areas to hiking and camping due to tropical storm conditions on the island, the National Park Service said. Press release.
NBC News found social media videos from the Big Island showing trees shaking in the wind amid heavy rain.
More than 24,000 utility customers were without power on Hawaii’s Big Island Sunday night. PowerOutage.US.
