A second system has a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone southeast of Hawaii within 48 hours, according to federal forecasters, who are urging residents to prepare in case the storm affects the islands.
Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane seasonal forecaster with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said modeling indicates the system could bring impacts to the island chain, with Hawaii island most at risk as it continues to recover from Hurricane Lala.
Forecasters said it is too soon to know the storm’s eventual size, strength, or track.
As of Wednesday, guidance points to initial development as a tropical depression, which has maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less. Rosencrans noted that if conditions align, a depression can intensify into a hurricane in as little as 24 hours.
The disturbance is positioned east-southeast of the state on the western edge of the Eastern Pacific Basin, moving west-northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. It is expected to enter the Central Pacific Basin tonight.
Tropical cyclone southeast of Hawaii under close watch
Hawaii County Civil Defense and the National Weather Service said they are closely monitoring the system and will provide updates as forecasts evolve.
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