Tropical Storm Hone Prompts Warnings for Hawaii

Tropical Storm Hone is approaching Hawaii, prompting a tropical storm warning for the Big Island and a red flag fire warning for the leeward sides of all islands. Hone, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, is expected to pass near or south of the Big Island, potentially intensifying into a Category 1 hurricane. The storm poses risks of heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides, and high surf, with rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches on the Big Island. Compounding the threat, a red flag warning highlights the heightened wildfire risk due to strong winds and dry conditions. Hawaiian Electric has activated its emergency response plan, urging residents to prepare for possible power outages. In the broader U.S., extreme heat alerts have been issued for 25 million Americans as temperatures rise from the South to the Midwest.