A hurricane warning is in effect for all Hawaiian offshore waters ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Iselle. Iselle is expected to hit the Big Island as a tropical storm on Thursday.
The warning affects the Big Island waters surrounding East Hawaii, from about South Point in Kaʻu and Pololu in North Kohala, as well as Hawaiian waters beyond 40 nautical miles (46 miles) to 240 nautical miles (276 miles), including the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument located east of the French Frigate Shoals, according to forecasters at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Oahu.
Forecasters said mariners can expect east winds to 20 knots (23 mph) and seas of 6 to 8 feet on Tuesday. On Wednesday, forecasters expect east winds to 25 knots (28 mph) and seas of 8 to 12 feet. By Wednesday night and continuing through Friday, mariners should expect tropical storm conditions, including winds to 60 knots (69 mph) and seas of 22 feet.
On Saturday, hurricane conditions are possible east of 154 west longitude, according to forecasters.
A tropical storm warning is issued when tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours.