Heavy rain and gusty winds may threaten Hawaii later this week as Tropical Storm Ana tracks toward the islands.
“Warm water and low wind shear will contribute to strengthening this week as Tropical Storm Ana tracks toward Hawaii,” said AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Evan Duffey.
Residents and travelers to Hawaii, particularly the Big Island, should pay close attention to the track and strength of this system.
Ana intensified from a tropical depression to a tropical storm late on Monday over the central Pacific Ocean.
“Traditionally, tropical systems struggle to maintain strength as they approach Hawaii from the southeast,” said Duffey. “However, abnormally warm water south of Hawaii could support an organized tropical system surviving into Hawaii.”
AccuWeather.com meteorologists think that Ana may be just off the southeast coast of the Big Island as a Category 1 hurricane early Saturday morning local time. Ana may then attempt to make a landfall on the Big Island later Saturday or Saturday night.
At the very least, there will be a surge of rain and gusty winds that reach the Big Island Saturday.
By Andy Mussoline, Meteorologist for Accuweather.com
October 15, 2014; 2:54 AM ET
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