Iona strengthens to a Category 3 hurricane in the central Pacific off Hawaii
Share this @internewscast.com

HONOLULU (AP) — Hurricane Iona has intensified into a Category 3 storm located several hundred miles south-southeast of Hawaii, but it is not expected to threaten the islands, according to meteorologists on Tuesday.

Iona is one of two major weather systems in the central Pacific Ocean.

The latest update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reported Iona’s position at roughly 790 miles (1,271 kilometers) from Honolulu, with winds reaching up to 115 mph (185 kph).

Additional strengthening is forecast later on Tuesday, with steady weakening expected to begin by Wednesday.

Iona is the inaugural named storm of the central Pacific hurricane season, having developed from a tropical depression on Sunday. The hurricane continues its westward journey across the warm, open ocean.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Keli has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph), the NHC said Tuesday morning. It was about 960 miles (1,550 kilometers) southeast of Honolulu and was moving west at about 12 mph (19 kph).

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect for the storms.

The administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency on Monday hosted a statewide conference call with all counties, during which the National Weather Service provided an assessment and status of the storms.

“All counties are monitoring,” agency spokesperson Kiele Amundson said in an email.

Another indirect impact from the weather systems could be swells, but they are relatively small and moving westward and won’t create anything significant, said Derek Wroe with the weather service in Honolulu..

However, a large swell is headed toward Hawaii after being generated several hundred miles east of New Zealand.

It’s expected to arrive in Hawaii by Thursday, about the same time the storms pass the state.

“People might wrongly attribute the swell energy to be from these tropical systems, but they’re actually not,” he said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Stalkers found guilty for following ICE agent home and livestreaming their act

ICE Agent’s Safety Threatened: Stalkers Convicted for Home Surveillance Livestream

Two self-proclaimed anti-ICE activists have been convicted of stalking an Immigration and…
Ex-nonprofit boss allegedly swiped $1.2M meant for homeless programs to fund lavish lifestyle, DA says

Former Nonprofit CEO Accused of Embezzling $1.2M from Homeless Funds for Personal Luxury

The leader of a city-funded nonprofit in San Francisco is accused of…
Trump orders US agencies to stop using Anthropic technology in clash over AI safety

Trump Bans Anthropic AI in Federal Agencies Amid Safety Concerns: A Pivotal Move in US Tech Policy

Just over an hour before the Pentagon’s deadline, former President Donald Trump…
California serial child rapist granted parole admitted having pedophilic fantasies as recently as 2021

Outrage Erupts as California Frees Serial Child Rapist with Recent Pedophilic Fantasies

A convicted child rapist from California, who faced widespread public outcry over…
Mike Huckabee tells Israel embassy staff to leave 'today' if they want to as Iran talks stall

Mike Huckabee Urges Israel Embassy Personnel to Depart Immediately Amid Stalled Iran Negotiations

In a decisive move, the State Department has granted permission for non-essential…
State Farm announces $5 billion cash-back dividend for customers

State Farm Unveils $5 Billion Cash-Back Dividend for Customers: A Major Win for Policyholders

This summer, State Farm is set to distribute a groundbreaking $5 billion…
Feds make 25 more arrests in anti-ICE Minnesota church invasion

Federal Authorities Arrest 25 in Connection to Anti-ICE Demonstration at Minnesota Church

Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced the arrest of 25 individuals in…
Biden flies to South Carolina for rare campaign stop after cancer diagnosis -- tries to take 'awkward' selfie with supporter 

Biden’s South Carolina Campaign Visit: Post-Cancer Diagnosis, Selfie Mishap, and Political Resurgence

Former President Joe Biden faced travel hiccups on Friday but opted for…
Crystal Mangum, who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape, freed after killing boyfriend

Crystal Mangum, known for the Duke lacrosse case, released following conviction for boyfriend’s death

Crystal Mangum, once an exotic dancer who gained notoriety for falsely accusing…
Inside KTLA's layoffs as insiders reveal brutal details

Exclusive: Unveiling the Impact and Insider Perspectives on KTLA’s Recent Layoffs

Inside sources at KTLA have revealed a tense atmosphere at the Los…
'I think he would be proud'

Heartfelt Tribute: A Son Reflects on His Father’s Legacy

On Friday, an NYPD detective paid homage to her late father, who…
LAUSD Sup. is being investigated over connections to Forbes listed start up founder accused of $10m fraud

Investigation Launched Into LAUSD Superintendent’s Ties with Forbes-Listed Startup Founder Accused of $10M Fraud

Alberto Carvalho, the Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District, is reportedly…