Hawaii County Civil Defense 5:15 p.m. Tuesday (Aug 11) audio message on Hurricane Hilda

As of 11 p.m. HST Tuesday (Aug 11) Hilda was reported to be a tropical storm centered about 280 miles (455 km) southeast of Hilo moving west at 2 mph (4 km/h).

Hilda has maximum sustained winds near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 85 miles (140 km).

A tropical storm watch has been issued for Hawaii Island. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area during the next 48 hours.

Hilda may produce 6-12 inches of rainfall with maximum values of up to 18 possible along and north of its path. These heavy rains could result in dangerous flash floods and mudslides late Wednesday into the weekend.

Ocean swells associated with Tropical Storm Hilda will produce large surf along east and southeast facing shores over the next couple of days. A high surf warning is in effect for east facing shores of Hawaii Island and east Maui.

For a reminder of how to prepare during this hurricane system read these tips by HELCO or go to our ‘Be Prepared’ menu near the top of this page for hurricane information.

Central Pacific Infrared Images

Full earth image taken at 5 p.m. HST Tuesday, August 11, 2015. Photo courtesy of NOAA-NASA GOES Project