A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Big Island as Hurricane Hilda approaches.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Big Island as Hurricane Hilda approaches.
Hilda, a Category 1 hurricane, is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm tonight.
It’s expected to pass over the island on Thursday, and could produce rainfall of 6 to 12 inches with some areas seeing as much as 18 inches.
“Very heavy rain is expect to arrive with Hilda on Thursday and continue through Friday,” the National Weather Service said.
The chance for tropical storm conditions are between 16 and 29 percent.
“Although changes are still possible, the latest forecast is for tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or higher for portions of the area from Thursday morning to early Thursday afternoon,” the weather service said. “Depending on the exact track of Hilda, there is the possibility of minor wind damage.”
A high surf warning is in effect for east facing shores until 6 a.m. Wednesday.