By Andy Mussoline, Meteorologist
October 13,2014; 9:44PM,EDT
Rain and gusty winds may threaten Hawaii later this week as Tropical Depression 2C tracks toward the islands.
"Warm water and low wind shear will contribute to strengthening this week as Tropical Storm Ana tracks toward Hawaii," said AccuWeather.com meteorologist Evan Duffey.
Residents and travelers to Hawaii, particularly the Big Island, should pay close attention to the track and strength of this system.
This satellite image shows Hawaii with Ana approaching from the southeast. (Image/NOAA)
Ana intensified from a tropical depression to a tropical storm late on Monday over the central Pacific Ocean.
"Traditionally, tropical systems struggle to maintain strength as they approach Hawaii from the Southeast," said Duffey. "However, abnormally warm water south of Hawaii could support an organized tropical system surviving into Hawaii."
AccuWeather.com meteorologists think that Ana may be just off of the southeast coast of the Big Island as a Category 1 hurricane early Saturday morning local time.
At the very least, there will be a surge of rain and gusty winds that reach the Big Island later Friday night into Saturday.
Numerous showers and downpours will then expand into the remainder of the islands throughout the upcoming weekend, including in Honolulu. Clouds and rain may linger into early next week as the system nearly stalls over the islands.
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Detailed forecast for Honolulu, Hawaii
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The rain will pose a flash flood threat, resulting in some washed-over roads or local landslides. Any wind damage will highly depend on whether Ana is able to make landfall as an organized tropical system.
This latest tropical threat for Hawaii follows Iselle's historic landfall on the Big Island earlier this year.
Iselle originated in the eastern Pacific, but a future Ana would be the second formation in the central Pacific. Wali formed in July, but failed to reach Hawaii as a tropical system.
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