Tropical Storm Gil strengthens to become hurricane, urgent alert issued for Hawaii ...

The Economic Times reports on Tropical Storm Gil's journey from hurricane back to tropical storm status in the Pacific Ocean, with authorities issuing travel warnings for Hawaii visitors.

Tropical Storm Gil briefly intensified into a hurricane before weakening again, prompting the National Hurricane Center to issue cautionary advisories for travelers heading to Hawaii. The storm is moving west-northwest at 20 mph and is expected to continue weakening through the weekend, potentially becoming post-tropical by Sunday. Hawaiian authorities have issued fire hazard alerts due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions that could contribute to rapid fire spread.

• Gil strengthened to hurricane status overnight Friday before being downgraded back to tropical storm Saturday morning
• The storm is forecast to weaken further and become post-tropical as early as Sunday while moving westward
• Hawaiian authorities warn of extreme fire behavior risks due to combination of strong winds and dry conditions
• Emergency preparedness experts emphasize the importance of early hurricane preparation, including evacuation planning and securing flood insurance with its mandatory 30-day waiting period