Tropical Storm Flossie is expected to weaken before it reaches Hawaii Island next week.
Tropical Storm Flossie is expected to weaken before it reaches Hawaii Island next week.
But it still brings the potential for heavy winds and rain.
Flossie, about 1,500 miles to the east, will reach the island Monday afternoon or early Tuesday, said Tom Birchard, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service.
Birchard said it will likely be a tropical depression at that time with sustained winds below the 39 mph minimum to be considered a tropical storm.
Still, there’s a 44 percent chance Flossie could have storm strength by the time it passes over or near the island.
For Hilo, frequent showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast for Monday and Tuesday.
Wind gusts may reach as high as 45 mph Monday night.
Where rainfall will be heaviest remains to be seen, Birchard said.
High surf is likely on east facing shores.