Tropical Depression Fifteen-E redevelops, could make rare landfall on Hawaii as a major hurricane
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E redeveloped near the Hawaiian Islands and is now forecast to approach the Big Island, potentially as a major hurricane, bringing torrential rain and life-threatening flooding this weekend.
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E redeveloped near the Hawaiian Islands and is now forecast to approach the Big Island, potentially as a major hurricane, bringing torrential rain and life-threatening flooding this weekend.
Hawaii, which generally doesn't see much tropical activity, could see impacts from another tropical system after being impacted by three systems this season, including destructive Hurricane Lowell.
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E redeveloped early Wednesday and is now about 300 miles south-southeast of the Big Island, and is forecast to strengthen quickly due to favorable environmental conditions across the Central Pacific.
Fifteen-E is expected to strengthen into a Tropical Storm later Wednesday and would be named Nolo, the next name on the Central Pacific hurricane list.
It is currently tracking west with sustained winds of 35 mph, but is expected to turn sharply north toward the islands on Thursday as it is pulled up by a dip in the jet stream.
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross cautioned that computer and AI forecast models are very uncertain about future-Nolo's exact track.
"There is very little consensus on the track that Nolo will take… and how close the core of the system will come to Hawaii before it makes another turn," Norcross said.
Meanwhile, the moisture from Fifteen-E will also begin to move into Hawaii starting Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and a possible flood threat to the area. Flood Watches have been issued for Hawaii's Big Island and Maui lasting through Saturday.
The heavy rain will start to impact the Big Island sometime Wednesday afternoon, Hawaii time, and will continue throughout most of the island through the weekend.
Rain totals have increased in the latest advisory from the NHC, with 15–20 inches of rain to fall across the Big Island through Monday and localized pockets of up to 35 inches.
The highest totals are possible across the eastern portion of the island, including Hilo.
HURRICANE POLO EXPLODES INTO ONE OF PACIFIC’S STRONGEST HURRICANES EVER
"This rainfall may produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," the NHC said.
The hurricane center also warned that life-threatening flooding could also be possible across Maui, with rain totals between 5 and 10 inches.
This is an ongoing story. Stay with FOX Weather for all the latest developments.
The post Tropical Depression Fifteen-E redevelops, could make rare landfall on Hawaii as a major hurricane appeared first on Fox Weather
