The latest storm, Hone, is the number one storm that formed during this year's storm season in the central Pacific. Hone is also the first storm to form in the central Pacific since 2019.
Hurricane Hone is forecast to move to the Big Island of Hawaii and will bring heavy rain, strong winds, dangerous rough seas and even fire risk as Hawaii recovers from one of the most brutal forest fires in the US last year.
Since the evening of August 24, Governor Hawaii Josh Green has declared a state of emergency due to threats from Hurricane Hone and the increased risk of fire in the state. The disaster emergency relief phase will continue until August 26.
Storms have continued to form during this year's Pacific typhoon season, but none of the seven typhoons in the eastern Pacific have approached Hawaii.
Tropical Storm Hone is about 500 km from Honolulu and moving at a speed of about 23 km/h, with the strongest sustained winds of 105 km/h, according to the latest storm news from the US National Hurricane Center.
"The storm is expected to strengthen over the next 24 to 36 hours, with Typhoon Hone peaking near typhoon strength on August 25 to 26," the typhoon bulletin said.
The storm's strongest winds may last from late 24 to 25 August as the storm moves near the south of the Big Island.
Strong winds have raised concerns about the risk of fire in parts of the state of Hawaii, especially in areas with stronger winds without accompanying rain.
A red alert has been issued for the west and southern coasts of each island in the Hawaiian island chain. Lahaina - an island devastated by a forest fire last year - is also under a red alert.
The risk of forest fires is particularly worrying as droughts in Hawaii this year are worse than when there were brutal forest fires last year. The forest fire in Maui last August killed more than 100 people and caused $6 billion in damage.
With Hone's rainfall, the flammable weather does not seem as severe as last year's fires, but if grass and trees catch fire, the fires could break out. Strong winds could blow up the fire and quickly spread to neighboring locations.
At the time of last year's fire, about 15% of the state was experiencing moderate droughts. As of August 20 this year, droughts of average or above have been recorded in 73% of Hawaii.
Forecasters say that Hone will strengthen late on August 25 to August 26 and may become a hurricane in the short term.
In addition to Typhoon Hone, Hawaii is facing the effects of another typhoon. Gilma is a Category 3 hurricane since the evening of August 24. Hurricane Gilma formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean and will continue moving westward in the coming days. Hurricane Gilma is forecast to weaken as it approaches Hawaii but could affect state weather by the end of next week.
