Hurricane Hone's Threat: 75 mph Winds and Heavy Rain Loom Over Hawaii's Big Island

Hurricane Hone has made its presence felt in Hawaii's Big Island, delivering a powerful punch of heavy rainfall and fierce winds as it passed to the south early on Sunday morning. The National Hurricane Center's latest updates indicate that Hone, having been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, packed maximum sustained winds of 75 mph as it approached the island.

Impact of Hurricane Hone on Hawaii's Big Island

In preparation for the extreme weather conditions, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Hawaii County. The island's residents have been advised to brace for significant rainfall ranging between 6 to 12 inches, which poses a severe risk of flooding. Additionally, the National Hurricane Center has cautioned residents to expect potentially "life-threatening" surf on the island throughout Sunday.

Most areas of the Big Island, including Hilo and Waimea, are currently under the threat of flash floods, with warnings in effect until 6:15 a.m. local time, according to the hurricane center.

Social Media Reports and Current Status

Social media platforms have been flooded with videos from the Big Island, showing trees swaying vigorously in the strong winds and heavy rain. As of Sunday morning, the hurricane was reported to be approximately 115 miles south-southwest of Hilo, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, moving westward at 10 mph.

Power Outages and Future Developments

The impact of Hurricane Hone has resulted in over 9,600 utility customers being without power across Hawaii's Big Island, as reported by PowerOutage.US. As the hurricane continues its course, it is anticipated that its movement will maintain a westward trajectory with a gradual decrease in forward speed in the subsequent days, as per the latest updates from the hurricane center.