Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C Could Bring Tropical Storm Conditions to Hawaii

A developing tropical system in the Central Pacific is being closely watched as it tracks toward Hawaii, where it could bring increasing winds, heavy rain, and rough surf later this week. 

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center designated the disturbance of Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C on Wednesday morning.This designation allows the center to issue watches and warnings for a system that has not yet fully developed into a tropical cyclone but could still threaten land. Potential Tropical Cyclone advisories are being initiated at this time. 

The system is expected to continue generally westward over the next several days. Central Pacific Hurricane Center believes conditions should support additional organization and strengthening, with One-C expected to become a tropical storm later today or tonight and move closer to the Hawaiian Islands by Friday.  

While there is still some uncertainty about the system’s exact track, the GFS and Euro models indicate it is close enough to Hawaii for residents and visitors to prepare for potential impacts. Tropical storm conditions could reach portions of the state as the system approaches, even if the center does not move directly over an island.  

Increasing winds will be one of the main concerns. Conditions could become especially gusty in areas where winds are enhanced by Hawaii’s mountainous terrain. The system could also produce periods of heavy rainfall, potentially creating localized flooding concerns. 

Ocean conditions are also expected to deteriorate as One-C gets closer. Larger swells generated by the system could lead to increasing surf and dangerous conditions along exposed coastlines. 

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center emphasizes that the forecast could change as the disturbance becomes better organized. Small adjustments in the track or strength of the system could make a significant difference in which islands see the greatest impacts. 

People across Hawaii should continue checking forecast updates through the rest of the week and be prepared in case additional tropical alerts are issued. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center will continue issuing regular advisories as Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C moves toward the islands.