CATHY BUSSEWITZ
Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — A tropical depression is on track to become a hurricane and could hit Hawaii’s Big Island later this week.

The storm is headed toward Hawaii Island’s Puna region, which was hit hard by Tropical Storm Iselle in August, according to Meteorologist Tom Evans of the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

“This is the last thing they need,” he said.

Tropical Depression Two-C was about 920 miles east-southeast of Hilo, travelling 10 miles per hour Monday morning. It is expected to strengthen and become a hurricane Wednesday and then arrive in Hawaii Saturday morning.

The storm is expected to be stronger than Iselle, which hit the islands with winds up to 78 miles per hour. Two-C is expected to blow in at 90 miles per hour.

“If the forecast pans out like we have it, this will be a stronger system,” Evans said. “We’re looking at bigger surf…Usually it’s the stronger wind and storm surge that cause the damage.”

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