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Tropical Storm Madeline on path toward Hawaii, could affect Obama’s visit

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NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

This graphic shows the projected five day path and intensity for Hurricane Lester.

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NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

This graphic shows the projected five day path and intensity for Tropical Storm Madeline.

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NOAA / GOES WEST

This composite satellite image shows Tropical Storm Madeline (lower center) and Hurricane Lester (right near Mexico) this morning.

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NOAA / GOES WEST This composite satellite image shows Tropical Storm Madeline (lower center) and Hurricane Lester (right near Mexico) this morning.

Tropical Storm Madeline, one of two storms on paths toward Hawaii, could bring muggy weather and the chance of heavy rain and strong winds this week.

The storm could affect the visit to Oahu of President Barack Obama Wednesday night and events with the World Conservation Congress starting Thursday.

The five-day forecast track for Madeline takes it near the Big Island Wednesday, and south of Oahu Thursday. However, forecasters caution that there is still uncertainty with the forecast. The margin of error for the five-day forecast is 170 miles in either direction.

Madeline crossed into the Central Pacific Saturday night and is expected to become a hurricane Monday, before it weakens back into a tropical storm near Hawaii, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center on Oahu.

At 11 p.m. Saturday, Madeline was 985 miles east-southeast of Hilo, moving northwest at 8 mph. It’s maximum sustained winds were 60 mph, with tropical storm-force winds extending 70 miles from the center.

Forecasters expect tropical moisture from the storm to reach Hawaii starting Tuesday, bringing muggy weather. Heavy rains and winds could follow through Thursday.

“While uncertainty on the case remains high at this time, there is the potential for tropical storm conditions impacting the islands,” forecasters said. “Also with rather high uncertainty, additional unsettled weather associated with tropical cyclone Lester may affect the state over Labor Day holiday weekend.”

At 11 p.m., Hurricane Lester was packing winds of 100 mph, about 865 miles west-southwest of Baja California, moving west at 14 mph.

It is forecast to cross into the Central Pacific as a hurricane Wednesday and should weaken as it gets closer to Hawaii.

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