dpHONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Tropical Depression Fifteen-E has regenerated into a tropical cyclone that could threaten parts of the state with heavy rain and high winds.
The National Hurricane Center said at 11 p.m. Tuesday, Tropical Depression Fifteen-E was centered about 405 miles south-southeast of Hilo, or 575 miles south-southeast. It was moving to the west-northwest at 12 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour.
The system is expected to strengthen rapidly into a tropical storm Wednesday. When it does, it will get the Hawaiian name Nolo. It is forecast to become a hurricane in a couple of days.
The tropical depression’s forward speed will decrease for the next day or so, followed by a sharp turn to the north or north-northeast on Thursday. The current track has it continuing in this direction in Friday, which will bring it just south of Hawaii Island, potentially as a major hurricane.
Potential threats
WIND: There is an increasing threat of wind impacts, regardless of the exact track.
RAIN: Heavy rain associated with Tropical Depression Fifteen-E will begin to impact eastern portions of the state Wednesday. Periods of heavy rain will likely impact Hawaii Island and Maui into the weekend, with life-threatening and catastrophic flooding possible, especially in areas of steep terrain. This includes areas on Hawaii Island that were already heavily damaged by rainfall from Hurricane Lala in August.
SURF: Swells generated by the tropical cyclone will reach south and east shores of Hawaii Island on Friday. These swells will generate life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Weather Alerts
A Flood Watch has been issued for the islands of Hawaii and Maui County ahead of a potential tropical cyclone in the next few days.
The watch will be in effect from noon Wednesday through 6 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu.
A hurricane or tropical storm watch will likely be issued Wednesday for parts of the state.
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