Hawaii is bracing itself as three tropical systems loom in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean basins. While the Atlantic remains calm, the Aloha State may not be so lucky. Hurricane Gilma is already making its way towards Hawaii, and two other disturbances are expected to develop into named storms in the coming days, all potentially heading in the direction of the islands.

The westernmost system, currently a tropical depression located about 1,000 miles east of Hawaii's Big Island, poses the greatest chance of a close encounter. Forecasters anticipate that this system, potentially named Tropical Storm Hone, may pass near the Big Island late on Saturday into Sunday. If it comes close enough, residents should prepare for possible flooding rains, strong winds, and coastal flooding.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu warns of a wet and windy period over the weekend and early next week as the potential tropical cyclone approaches. Flood watches and tropical storm watches could be issued as early as Thursday. While the system's rainfall may not be substantial, gusty winds could exacerbate the risk of wildfires, particularly in parts of the Big Island and southern Maui, which are currently experiencing extreme drought conditions. However, the winds are not expected to reach the intensity seen during the catastrophic fires in Maui back in 2023.

After the potential Tropical Storm Hone passes, Hawaii may face the approach of Hurricane Gilma in approximately a week. Although the storm is projected to weaken, it is likely to bring heavy rain, strong winds, rough surf, and large breaking waves. Additionally, there is another system brewing in the Pacific Ocean that could potentially reach the islands in around 10 days. The exact impact and proximity of these systems are yet to be determined.

While hurricanes are more commonly found in the eastern tropical Pacific than in the central region where Hawaii is located, the islands have been fortunate in avoiding direct landfalls. The Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu have never recorded a direct hurricane landfall. However, Kauai experienced Hurricane Dot as a Category 1 storm in 1959, and the island witnessed the devastating Hurricane Iniki, a Category 4 storm, on September 11, 1992, which remains the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history.

As the first system, Potential Tropical Storm Hone, gains strength and approaches the Big Island, Hawaiians should anticipate showery weather from late Saturday through Monday, with the possibility of downpours, strong winds, rough surf, and dangerous rip currents along the coast. While impacts from wind and rain are more likely on the Big Island, Oahu and Kauai have a higher chance of escaping severe consequences.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicts that Potential Tropical Storm Hone will gradually strengthen and potentially reach tropical storm strength by Thursday night. It is then expected to pass near the Big Island while curving north, before weakening significantly by Tuesday or Wednesday when it is well west of the islands.

As the state remains on high alert, residents and authorities are closely monitoring the situation, preparing for possible adverse weather conditions, and ensuring that necessary precautions are taken to safeguard lives and property.