Hurricane Iona strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 125 mph.
Tropical Storm Keli formed with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph.
Neither storm is expected to directly impact the Hawaiian Islands.
Increased trade winds combined with drought conditions could increase wildfire risk.
A large swell generated east of New Zealand is expected to arrive in Hawaii around the same time the storms pass.
Hurricane Iona, located approximately 765 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, is moving west at 13 mph. Some additional strengthening is possible before steady weakening begins. Tropical Storm Keli, located about 895 miles southeast of Honolulu, is also moving west at 13 mph and is expected to maintain its strength over the next 48 hours.
While no coastal watches or warnings are in effect, the National Weather Service is monitoring the potential for increased wildfire risk due to increased trade winds. The conditions are not expected to be as severe as those experienced during Hurricane Dora in 2023, which exacerbated the deadliest fire in the U.S. in over a century. A large swell is also expected to arrive in Hawaii around Thursday, potentially creating high surf conditions on south shores.
Q: Will Hurricane Iona or Tropical Storm Keli impact Hawaii?
Neither storm is expected to directly impact the Hawaiian Islands.
Q: What are the potential indirect impacts?
Increased wildfire risk due to trade winds and a large swell causing high surf.
Stay informed about the progress of Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli.
Be aware of the potential for increased wildfire risk if you are in an area with drought conditions.
Monitor surf conditions for potential high surf advisories later in the week.
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