Hawaii is facing two hurricane threats, a unique situation that could result in flooding and strong winds hitting the islands twice within a week.

As of Sunday morning, a tropical storm warning was in effect for Hawaii’s Big Island as Hurricane Hone brought sustained winds of 85 mph, located approximately 90 miles south of Hilo by 8 a.m. Hawaii time. The storm had reached Category 1 strength overnight.

The National Weather Service reported that “6 to 10 inches of rain have already fallen across the windward side of Big Island in the last 18 to 24 hours, with more shower bands moving into the eastern and southeastern regions as Hone passes by the Big Island.” The forecast showed a significant risk of flash flooding in Hawaii County due to persistent heavy showers throughout the day.

This downpour also heightened the potential for mudslides in mountainous areas but decreased the risk of destructive wildfires similar to last August’s catastrophe in Lahaina, Maui. Consequently, the service lifted its red flag warning for fire risks in the drier regions of the islands, as reported by the Associated Press.

While Hone is expected to weaken, it will likely continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the smaller Hawaiian Islands through Monday as it moves westward. The National Hurricane Center cautioned about “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”

Hurricane Gilma may approach Hawaii this week

There is also another hurricane, currently a major storm, that could affect the islands shortly.

Hurricane Gilma, situated approximately 1,400 miles east of the Big Island on Sunday morning, was generating sustained winds of up to 125 mph, placing it at the higher end of a Category 3 storm. Fortunately, it was moving away harmlessly from land in the eastern north Pacific Ocean. The main concern is how long it can maintain its strength as it travels westward.

The hurricane center indicated that Gilma is anticipated to weaken throughout the week, remaining at hurricane status until early Tuesday but losing intensity as it approaches Hawaii late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

According to AccuWeather, it has been over three decades since two named storms have come within 300 miles of the main Hawaiian islands in a single week’s time. They noted that August is the month when more than 40% of tropical cyclones affecting Hawaii occur throughout the year.

There is also another disturbance located east of Gilma, with a 90% chance of developing into a cyclone, though it remains unnamed for now.