Tropical Depression Two-C Approaches Hawaii, Heavy Rain Expected
The National Hurricane Center and Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency are monitoring Tropical Depression Two-C, which is currently located about 900 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. The system, with sustained winds of 35 mph (56 km/h), is moving west-northwest at 15 mph (24 km/h). Heavy rainfall is forecast to begin on the Big Island late Saturday night, with the system potentially strengthening into a high-end tropical storm or a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches. Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches (127 to 254 mm), with isolated amounts up to 15 inches (381 mm), are expected on the Big Island, while other Hawaiian Islands may see 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) of rain, with localized amounts up to 5 inches (127 mm). The system may also bring life-threatening flooding, mudslides, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions.