At 2 p.m. Thursday, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said the center of Tropical Storm Ana was located 440 miles southeast of Hilo, or 630 miles southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour with higher gusts.
A Tropical Storm Watch has already been issued for the Big Island and surrounding waters. As a reminder, a tropical storm watch means that tropical storm force conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. This includes strong winds, heavy rains, and large surf.
It was moving toward the west at 14 miles per hour. Ana is expected to turn toward the west-northwest Thursday, then turn toward the northwest on Friday with a slight increase in forward speed. On the forecast track, the center of Ana will pass near the Big Island Friday night and Saturday.
Currently, tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center of the storm. However, it is vital that you do not focus on the exact forecast track. The movement, direction, and speed are only estimates. Even small shifts in the track can mean major differences on where the worst conditions will occur. Damaging effects can extend far from the center.
No forecast is certain, but Oahu residents should prepare for the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, power outages, large surf and coastal surge.
Please visit the links on the right to track the storm.
Remember: Have a plan, make a kit, and prepare for a possible emergency response
Social Sharing