Tropical Depression Two-C heads toward Hawaii, may bring heavy rain and surf hazards
Tropical Depression Two-C, located about 900 miles east-southeast of Hilo, is moving west-northwest and could produce up to 15 inches of rain on Hawaii Island and generate hazardous surf conditions this weekend.
A newly formed tropical depression, designated Two-C, is tracking west-northwest toward Hawaii. At 11 a.m. Thursday it was positioned roughly 900 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving at 15 miles per hour. The system has sustained winds of 35 miles per hour with higher gusts and is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm later Thursday, at which point it will receive the Hawaiian name “Moke.”
Meteorologists expect the depression to deliver 5 to 10 inches of rain across Hawaii Island, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches, raising the risk of flooding in areas already saturated by recent rainfall. The remaining islands could see 1 to 3 inches of rain, with maximum amounts of 5 inches, through the weekend and early next week. Authorities warn that the rain may trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.
In addition to precipitation, the depression is projected to generate swells that could affect parts of the Hawaiian Islands, creating potentially dangerous surf and rip-current conditions.
"The system poses a threat of heavy rain, flooding and strong surf, and residents should stay alert and follow local advisories," a state weather spokesperson said.