Tropical Storm Keli tracker, Tropical Storm Keli spaghetti models, How do hurricanes form?, Prepare now for hurricanes

The National Hurricane Center was monitoring five storm systems in the Pacific Ocean on July 29, including the Category 3 Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli.

Located about 790 miles southeast of Honolulu, Keli has reached maximum sustained winds near 40 mph, the NHC said in a July 29 advisory. Forecasters expect the system to keep heading westward over the next couple of days with "little change in strength" before dissipating on July 31.

The center said the storm was moving west at 15 mph, as of 11 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Iona strengthened into a major hurricane nearing Category 4 status, with maximum sustained winds near 125 mph and higher gusts, the center reported. This system is also heading toward the west with a gradual increase in forward speed forecasted over the next few days.

The National Hurricane Center is keeping tabs on five systems in the Pacific Ocean, including Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli, the agency said on July 29.

Hurricane center forecasters also said Iona will likely continue to strengthen Tuesday night, July 29, with steady weakening expected by Wednesday, July 30.

Tropical Storm Keli tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Tropical Storm Keli spaghetti models

How do hurricanes form?

Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.

A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.

Prepare now for hurricanes

Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.

Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.

Contributing: Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY