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17h ago

Hurricane Iona Rapidly Intensifies to Major Storm South of Hawaii

After a rapid climb to Category 3, Iona is forecast to strengthen tonight before steady weakening begins midweek well south of Hawaii.

Image
A map from the NHC shows where three tropical storms and one hurricane could form at the same time.
Hurricane Iona swirling south of the Hawaiian islands as a major hurricane. Image via CIRA/NOAA
Satellite image of Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli, acquired at 0100 UTC on July 29, 2025. Credit: GOES-East, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers.

Overview

  • Iona became the first hurricane of the central Pacific season after its winds surged to near 115 mph overnight, elevating it to a Category 3 storm.
  • The hurricane is moving westward at about 13 mph roughly 800 miles south of Honolulu with no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
  • National Hurricane Center forecasts call for Iona to peak in intensity tonight then undergo gradual weakening by Wednesday while remaining offshore.
  • Tropical Storm Keli, which formed about 18 hours after Iona with 40 mph winds, is also tracking west and poses no direct threat to the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Forecasters are monitoring two eastern Pacific disturbances that carry 60% and 90% chances of tropical development over the next 48 hours and seven days, respectively.