A tropical storm warning was posted Friday morning for Hawaiian offshore waters as Tropical Storm Niala approaches the Big Island.
The warning covers an area spanning from 40 nautical miles offshore to 240 nautical miles offshore, including the portion of Papahanamokuakea Marine National Monument, east of French Frigate Shoals, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
As of Friday morning, east winds of 17 to 28 mph and seas of 6 to 10 feet were reported. Friday night, conditions are expected to worsen and tropical storm conditions should be expected in southeast waters. The current forecast calls for winds of at least 40 mph and seas of 12 feet and higher. Those conditions are expected to persist through Saturday.
Click here for the latest details on Tropical Storm Niala. Forecasters expect a tropical storm watch to be posted for the Big Island later Friday, click here for details.