Tropical Storm Madeline Skimming Hawaii to the South; Tropical Storm Warning in Effect

Jonathan Belles
Published: August 31,2016
Tropical Storm Madeline is weakening, but it now passing the Big Island of Hawaii.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Big Island and for the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. This means that tropical storm conditions are likely Wednesday evening, but conditions are expected to improve by early Thursday.
(MORE: Hawaii Prepares For Madeline and Lester)

Current Watches/Warnings

Madeline's estimated peak surface winds increased from a 50 mph tropical storm Sunday morning, to a 130 mph Category 4 hurricane by Tuesday morning, but has now weakened back to a tropical storm.
Wind shear had increased noticeably, and dry air was increasingly impinging on Madeline by early Wednesday. As a result, Madeline continues to weaken.
Infrared satellite loops continues to show and ever more ragged appearance of Madeline.

Current Storm Status

As of Wednesday evening (Hawaiian time), Madeline's tropical storm-force winds extended outward up to 105 miles.

Chances that winds greater than or equal to 39 mph will impact a given point

Here's the latest from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center:

• Tropical Storm Madeline was located about 115 miles south of Hilo, Hawaii.
• The closest approach of Madeline's center, and, thus, strongest winds, will move near or just south of Hawaii's Big Island Wednesday evening as a strong tropical storm. Madeline is forecast to continue to the west, well south of the rest of the Hawaiian islands. 

(INTERACTIVE: Madeline Tracker Page)

Projected Path

• Madeline is expected to bring 5 to 10 inches of rain for the Big Island, with rainfall totals as high as 15 inches on the windward side of that island. Up to 4 inches of rain is possible in Maui County. Flash flooding and mudslides are possible.

Forecast rainfall

• High surf will build and may become damaging along the eastern shores of the Big Island and Maui through Thursday.
• Downed trees and power outages are possible on the Big Island. Some minor structural damage to buildings is also possible, mainly from downed trees.
• A storm surge may lead to peak water levels of 1 to 3 feet above ground if it occurs at high tide, accompanied by battering waves.

(MORE: Hurricane Season Outlook | Hurricane Central)

Lester Follows On the Heels of Madeline

Hurricane Lester is moving west across the eastern Pacific Ocean and should continue to do so for the next several days before curling a bit more west-northwest this weekend.
This track may bring Lester near the Hawaiian Islands over the Labor Day weekend.
(MORE: Lester Could Also Threaten Hawaii)
Lester could still be a minimal hurricane or tropical storm by the time it approaches Hawaii Saturday into early Sunday, but it's still too far out in time to nail down specifics.
For more information on Hurricane Lester, refer to our forecast article.
Check back with us at weather.com for updates on these two systems.

MORE: Images of Hurricane Eyes