- Tropical Storm Niala developed Friday morning and is located about 375 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.
- Gradual intensification is expected and this system tracks northwest towards Hawaii.
- Some impacts are likely in the coming days, including high surf and heavy rainfall.
- A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Big Island, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
Storm Info
Forecast Path
Watches and Warnings
Yet another tropical system, Tropical Storm Niala, is forecasted to move towards Hawaii this weekend. Fortunately, none of the nine storms that have tracked near the main Hawaiian islands this year have made landfall.
Tropical Depression Six-C formed in the Central Pacific just over 500 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii late Thursday, Eastern time and strengthened into Tropical Storm Niala on Friday morning.
Some gradual intensification is possible as sea surface temperatures are very warm and atmospheric moisture is plentiful, but due to moderate wind shear only modest strengthening is anticipated.
Niala is not expected to directly hit the islands, as it will likely turn west by Saturday or Sunday, passing south of the islands. It will also likely begin to dissipate, as vertical wind shear is forecast to increase late this weekend.
(MORE: Is Hawaii Suffering Hurricane Fatigue?)
However, Niala may come close enough to Hawaii to bring some impacts.
An increase in moisture is expected late this weekend and into early next week over the Hawaiian islands. Heavy rain and flash flooding are possible with this surge of tropical moisture, especially on the southeastern slopes of the Big Island. A flash flood watch has been issued for the Big Island from Friday evening through Monday.
Along with the heavy rainfall will come the risk of mudslides, mainly over portions of the Big Island. A few thunderstorms are also possible.
High surf will also be produced, especially along the east and southeast facing shore of the main Hawaiian islands beginning this weekend and will continue into early next week. Some of these areas are under a high surf advisory through Monday.
Gusty winds are possible across portions of the Big Island, where a tropical storm watch was issued midday Friday local time. A watch means sustained winds in excess of 39 miles are possible within the next 48 hours.
This has been a very busy year in the central Pacific Ocean and the naming of Tropical Depression Six-C brought the tropical cyclone count to 11 this season in the central Pacific. Specifically, seven systems have developed in the central Pacific, while four others, Hilda, Ignacio, Jimena and Guillermo, formed in the eastern Pacific and moved west into the central Pacific.
Nonetheless, the count of 11 ties the record for most active years, sharing the title with 1992 and 1994, and the tropical season is not over yet.
(MORE: How Unusual Are Hawaii Hurricanes?)
Check back with us at weather.com and The Weather Channel for the latest on this system.
MORE: Hawaii Hurricanes (PHOTOS)
No comments:
Post a Comment