Tropical Storm “Oho” forms near the Hawai’i

No rest for the Hawaiian residents is in sight, as a new tropical storm formed in the central Pacific region on October 3, 2015. Tropical Storm "Oho" is currently over 500 km (310 miles) away from the Hawai'ian Islands, Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) reports. No warnings have been issued so far, however, the storm will require careful monitoring over the next few day as it intensifies into a hurricane.

Tropical Depression "Seven-C" was first spotted around 09:00 UTC on October 3, according to CPHC, and intensified into a tropical storm a few hours later.

Tropical Storm "Oho" synoptic situation and movement. Image credit: UW-CIMSS

Tropical Storm "Oho" was located about 545 km (340 miles) south southeast of South Point Hawaii and about 865 km (535 miles) south southeast of Honolulu, on October 2 at 15:00 UTC. The system was moving northward at 9 km/h (6 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 1 000 hPa, according to CPHC.

Tropical Storm "Oho" lurking near the Hawai'ian Island, October 3, 20:00 UTC. Image credit: NOAA GOES/WEST

Tropical storm force winds extend up to 55 km (35 miles) from the center.

The system is expected to turn toward the west northwest during the night of October 3 to 4, and then turn back toward the northeast on the night of October 4 to 5. Oho is expected to maintain a slow motion of about 8 km/h (5 mph) over the next couple of days.

Tropical storm "Oho" is forecast to significantly intensify in the coming days and become a hurricane by October 5, CPHC reports.

Tropical Storm "Oho" 5-day track forecast. Image credit:NOAA/NWS

No coastal watches or warnings are in effect for the time being, however, the Hawaiian residents should closely follow the storm's development.

Featured image: Tropical Storm "Oho" synoptic situation, October 3, 19:30 UTC. Image credit: UW-CIMSS.