Tropical Depression Two-C is expected to become a tropical storm later today, with forecasters warning of increased rain, gusty winds, and hazardous surf as the system tracks south of the state.
Update: 5 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 According to forecasters, the system will pass south of Hawaiʻi from late Saturday into Monday. While the center should remain to the south, the Big Island, particularly windward and southeast areas, could see the most significant impacts, including heavy rainfall.
As of 5 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Depression Two-C was about 745 miles southeast of Hilo near latitude 13.4 North and longitude 146.0 West. The depression is moving west-northwest near 10 mph. This motion is expected to continue for the next several days, with the center passing south of the Big Island this weekend and south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands by early next week.
Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected over the next couple of days, and the depression is forecast to reach tropical storm strength later today. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb, or 29.68 inches.
Tropical Depression Two-C rainfall and wind outlook
Rainfall: Total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, with localized amounts up to 15 inches, is expected on the Big Island. Eastern Maui could see 1 to 2 inches, with isolated totals up to 4 inches. Elsewhere across the state, 1 to 2 inches are possible. Officials cautioned that this rain could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides on windward and southeast Big Island, especially in steep terrain and in areas recently affected by Lala.
Surf: Swells generated by the system are expected to reach portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend and into early next week. These swells may produce dangerous surf and rip current conditions.
The next complete advisory is expected around 11 a.m. HST. Residents across the Hawaiian Islands are urged to monitor forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions.
Residents across the Hawaiian Islands are urged to monitor forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions, including through updates from the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
