What is the current status of Hurricane Iona?

Hurricane Iona has strengthened into a powerful Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

How will Hurricane Iona impact Hawaii?

While Hurricane Iona is not expected to make direct landfall in Hawaii, the increased trade winds and drought conditions in the islands could heighten the wildfire risk this week.

What other storm systems is the National Hurricane Center monitoring in the Pacific?

In addition to Hurricane Iona, the hurricane center is also tracking Tropical Storm Keli and several other disturbances that have the potential to develop into tropical depressions or storms in the coming days.

Home / Weather / Powerful Hurricane Iona Strengthens in Pacific, Raising Wildfire Concerns in Hawaii

Powerful Hurricane Iona Strengthens in Pacific, Raising Wildfire Concerns in Hawaii

29 Jul

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Summary

National Hurricane Center tracking 5 systems in Pacific, including Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli
Hurricane Iona has strengthened into a major Category 3 storm south of Hawaii
Increased trade winds and drought conditions in Hawaii could heighten wildfire risk

Powerful Hurricane Iona Strengthens in Pacific, Raising Wildfire Concerns in Hawaii

According to the National Hurricane Center, the Pacific Ocean is currently an active region, with forecasters tracking five different storm systems, including one major hurricane and one tropical storm.

The most significant of these systems is Hurricane Iona, which has strengthened into a powerful Category 3 hurricane well south of the Hawaiian Islands. As of July 28th, Iona was located about 790 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph and higher gusts. Iona is expected to continue moving westward and potentially strengthen further before beginning to weaken by Wednesday.

While Iona is not forecast to make direct landfall in Hawaii, the hurricane center warns that the increased trade winds combined with "moderate or greater drought conditions across over half of the Hawaiian Islands" will elevate the wildfire risk through much of this week. Residents are urged to be prepared and take necessary precautions.

In addition to Iona, the hurricane center is also tracking Tropical Storm Keli, which formed in the Pacific and is located about 960 miles southeast of Honolulu. Keli is expected to continue moving westward with little change in strength over the next few days.

The hurricane center is also monitoring several other disturbances in the Pacific that have the potential to develop into tropical depressions or storms in the coming days. Forecasters say environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of these systems as they move westward.

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