Tropical Storm Hernan formed in the Pacific on Thursday, but the storm was not posing an immediate threat to land. Meanwhile, a separate weather system was moving toward Hawaii with the potential to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and dangerous surf over the weekend.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hernan was located about 1,460 miles (2,350 kilometers) west of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The storm had maximum sustained winds of approximately 40 mph (64 kph) and was moving westward.
Forecasters said Hernan was expected to remain away from land as it traveled across the Pacific.
Hawaii faces greater weather threat
The more immediate concern was a separate disturbance identified as Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C.
The system was positioned about 775 miles (1,247 kilometers) east-southeast of Hawaii and had winds near 40 mph. However, forecasters said it had not yet developed enough organization to be classified as a tropical storm.
Weather officials warned that the system could begin affecting the Hawaiian Islands late Friday, bringing periods of heavy rain, powerful winds and hazardous ocean conditions.
The system could potentially reach the southern portion of Hawaii’s Big Island as a tropical storm on Saturday, according to forecasts.
Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding
Forecasters warned that the weather system could produce widespread rainfall of 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) across parts of the Hawaiian Islands.
Some locations could receive as much as 20 inches (51 centimeters), creating the potential for significant flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas vulnerable to runoff and saturated ground.
Residents and visitors were urged to closely monitor weather updates as the system approaches because its strength and exact track could change.
Cristobal weakens in Atlantic
Meanwhile, another named storm was losing strength in the Atlantic Ocean.
Tropical Storm Cristobal weakened into a tropical depression Thursday and was expected to dissipate, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Cristobal was located roughly 610 miles (982 kilometers) west of the Azores and was not considered a threat to land.
The simultaneous development of multiple weather systems highlights the active conditions across both the Pacific and Atlantic as forecasters continue monitoring tropical activity.