2 storms might have effect on isle weather

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center continues to track a pair of storms that could affect local weather over the next week.

Tropical Storm Gil, formerly a hurricane, has weakened despite being over warmer waters, with maximum sustained winds dropping to 50 mph from 60 mph as of 5 p.m. Saturday. The tropical storm winds extend 60 miles from the center.

As of Saturday afternoon, Gil was 1,400 miles east of Hilo, moving west at about 13 mph. Forecasters expect the storm to take a west-southwest turn away from the islands.

The storm could strengthen again, but forecasters say it is uncertain if the storm will significantly affect local weather.

Gil is expected to move into the Central Pacific by midday Monday and weaken into a tropical depression by Thursday.

The hurricane center is also tracking a new tropical depression to the east of Gil that is expected to develop into a tropical storm.

Tropical Depression 8E was about 1,200 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, moving westward at 10 mph, as of 5 p.m. Saturday.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds were measured at 35 mph. The storm, which is expected develop into a tropical storm today, is expected to turn west-northwest by Monday.

A low-pressure system about 700 miles southeast of Hilo is producing showers and thunderstorms, but is considered unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone.