A recently-formed tropical depression is forecast to reach hurricane strength Wednesday as it approaches the Big Island.
A recently-formed tropical depression is forecast to reach hurricane strength Wednesday as it approaches the Big Island.
Tropical Depression Two-c was 915 miles east-southeast of Hilo as of 11 a.m. Monday with sustained winds of 35 mph.
A National Weather Service five-day outlook currently expects it maintain hurricane strength through Saturday when it could be roughly 80 miles from the Ka‘u and Puna coasts.
Tom Evans, weather service meteorologist, cautioned forecasts that far out are subject to change.
“It could be well to the east of the Big Island or well to the south,” he said.
Warm waters combined with weak wind shear are expected to allow it to strengthen, Evans said.
If it reaches hurricane strength, the storm would be the fifth hurricane this year near Hawaii, he said.
A winter weather advisory is also in effect for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
The summits are forecast to receive 3 inches of snow through Tuesday morning.