Hurricane Hon is “gradually” moving away from the Big Island, but will continue to bring strong winds and widespread rain to the area, according to a Sunday afternoon update from the National Hurricane Center.
Hoan strengthened into a hurricane overnight as it neared the Big Island. By Sunday afternoon, Hoan had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, becoming a Category 1 storm as it moved about 90 miles south-southwest of Kona.
The Hurricane Center said Hoan was moving west at 8 mph and would continue in that direction for the next few days, possibly gaining speed. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the state of Hawaii.
Island residents could see 6 to 12 inches of rain, with an additional 3 to 6 inches on south-facing slopes, which could lead to flooding. The hurricane center said “life-threatening” surf could be expected on the island on Sunday.
Most of the island, including Hilo and Waimea, remains under a flash flood warning until 12:15 p.m local time, the hurricane center said.
At Hilo International Airport, some flights are canceled and airlines make “case-by-case decisions” about which ones will take off, according to Hawaii’s Department of Transportation.
NBC News found social media videos from the Big Island showing trees shaking in the wind amid heavy rain.
More than 21,300 utility customers were without power on Hawaii’s Big Island as of Sunday afternoon. PowerOutage.US.
