7 p.m. update: The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports as of 5 p.m., Tropical Storm Hone is 125 miles southeast of Hilo with sustained winds of 65 mph moving west at 14 mph. Modest strengthening is expected over the next 24 to 36 hours, with Hone peaking just below hurricane intensity Sunday into Monday.
According to Civil Defense, high surf, high winds and flooding rains are being reported across areas of Hawaii Island.
The National Weather Service flood watch for Hawaii Island and high surf warning for east-facing shores remain in effect.
• Due to the impact from TS Hone, Waipio Valley Access Road is closed.
• Kohala Mountain Road, Highway 250, is closed due to a downed tree at the 17 mile marker. Other road closures may occur without warning.
• All east-facing County Beach Parks are closed.
• Public shelters are open in Ka‘u, Pahoa, Keaau, Mountain View, Hilo and Honokaa. For details, see the 1 p.m. update below.
1 p.m. update:
As of 11 a.m. today, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Hone is located 185 miles southeast of Hilo with sustained winds of 65 mph moving west at 15 mph.
According to the latest report from Civil Defense, east-facing shores of Big Island are reporting high surf conditions.
The National Weather Service flood watch for Hawaii Island and high surf warning for east-facing shores remain in effect. The National Weather Service red flag fire weather warning for areas of West Hawaii has been canceled.
All east-facing county beach parks are closed until further notice.
The following public shelters are open as of noon today:
• Ka‘u Herkes Gym and Naalehu Elementary School Cafeteria
• Pahoa High School Gym, Keaau High School Library and G Building, and Mt. View Elementary School Cafeteria
• Waiakea High School Gym in Hilo
• Honokaa High School and Intermediate School Cafeteria
Those planning to stay at a shelter are advised to prepare all personal items to stay overnight and arrive at a designated shelter no later than 6 p.m. All shelters are pet-friendly.
For questions regarding public shelters, call Civil Defense at 808-935-0031.
9 a.m. update
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center tropical storm warning remains in effect for Hawaii Island.
According to Civil Defense, as of 5 a.m., T.S. Hone is 260 miles southeast of Hilo with sustained winds of 65 MPH moving west at 15 mph. Dangerous surf, high winds, and flooding rains are forecast to impact Hawaii Island today.
The National Weather Service flood watch for Big Island, high surf warning for east-facing shores, and red flag fire weather warning for areas of West Hawaii remain in effect.
• Waipio Valley Access Road is closed and overnight camping at Whittington and Punalu‘u Beach Parks has been canceled.
• The County of Hawaii Hele-On Bus Service has canceled some routes through this weekend. For a list of canceled bus routes, please visit the County of Hawaii, Civil Defense website at https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/.
• Public shelters will be opened and posted in the next Civil Defense update at noon.
• According to a release by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, due to the possibility of tropical storm force winds, the park has closed the coastal and Mauna Loa summit backcountry areas to both day hiking and overnight camping. HVNP will continue to monitor the storm conditions and any damage that follows and will reopen the backcountry when it is safe to do so.
Check back throughout the day for updates as they happen.