Two tropical systems are expected to weaken further as they near the Hawaiian Islands, reducing the likelihood of dangerous weather during a rare cluster of storms over the Labor Day weekend.
Tropical Storm Gilma, the closer of the two systems, has diminished after reaching Category 3 hurricane status last weekend. Federal forecasters anticipate that Gilma could be downgraded to a tropical depression by Thursday or Friday, with rainfall expected to begin over the islands.
Hector, which was previously a tropical storm, dissipated early Thursday more than 1,000 miles from Hilo, Hawaii, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, which has issued its final update on the storm. Cold water in the region has played a significant role in the weakening of these systems.
Forecasters predict that on Friday, Gilma will move north of Hawaii, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty showers, according to AccuWeather. Due to the absence of a strong eyewall, the storm’s impacts are expected to be limited, although there remains a risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
Paul Pastelok, lead long-range meteorologist at AccuWeather, noted that even a less organized tropical feature, like the rainstorm passing north of the islands, could result in heavier rainfall on the south-facing slopes than a stronger hurricane might.
Besides causing heavy rain, Gilma could help relieve drought conditions in some difficult-to-reach areas, according to AccuWeather. Last week, Tropical Storm Hone impacted the Big Island as it moved south as a hurricane, leading to flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. The storm also provided enough rainfall to prompt authorities to lift several wildfire red flag warnings.
With concerns about wildfire dangers heightened among the Hawaiian population, particularly following strong storms offshore, the memory of Hurricane Dora’s winds— which contributed to the deadliest wildfires in over a century last year— remains fresh.
The Big Island is expected to experience thunderstorms and showers starting late Thursday and Friday, with the storms projected to spread to other islands over the holiday weekend, as reported by AccuWeather. As the rain approaches, Gilma is likely to create rough seas and strong surf along the coastline.
Forecasters also predict that Hector, now a tropical rainstorm, will bring additional heavy rain and winds to Hawaii beginning Sunday and continuing into the following week, immediately after Gilma exits the region. This rain may worsen any existing flooding as the storm moves either north of the islands or directly over them.
This weekend may mark a historic event for Hawaii, as the islands have never experienced more than two tropical storm systems nearby in prior hurricane seasons, according to AccuWeather. Additionally, the last occurrence of two tropical storms affecting the islands within a week dates back to September 1992.