Depression intensifies, upgraded to Tropical Storm Ela |

Forecast track for T.S. Ela at 5 a.m. Thursday | Courtesy NOAA

Tropical Depression Four-E has strengthened and is now known as Tropical Storm Ela. However, it is not a significant threat to Hawaii, forecasters said.

Ela becomes the first tropical storm of the Central Pacific hurricane season.

At 5 a.m. Thursday, Ela had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph with higher gusts. It was located 585 miles east of Hilo and was moving to the northwest at 13 miles per hour. It should continue on that track through Thursday evening, with a turn to the west and a decrease in forward speed forecast for Friday.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said little change in strength is expected through Thursday, after which it will gradually weaken.

According to meteorologist Tom Birchard at the CPHC, southwesterly shear has shunted the mid-level center of the storm well to the northeast of the surface center. Data from an Air Force hurricane hunter aircraft indicated tropical storm-force winds in the northeast quadrant of the cyclone.

The southwest shear is expected to increase in the next 24 hours. Ela was forecast to maintain tropical storm intensity overnight before succumbing to the shear and gradually weakening Thursday and Friday. It is then forecast to turn to the west and then weaken into a remnant low pressure area just north of the Hawaiian islands this weekend before dissipating.

Current projections still call for the possibility of very high humidity levels and a chance of localized heavy showers as Ela draws up tropical moisture over the state and cuts the trade winds.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Bob Ballard said on Twitter, “Often the biggest threat from depressions (aside from amazing humidity) can be localized intense downpours & possibility for flooding. Remember remnants of Wali last year? Flooding, thunderstorms, a foot of rain on parts of the Ko’olau. Every system a little different. All that said, tropical cyclones can bring surprises, so it’s important for everyone to keep an eye on this system the next few days.”