Forecasts differ on whether Pacific storm will bring heavy rain to Hawaii

A storm in the Central Pacific has prompted conflicting forecasts about its effects on Hawaii.

One forecast calls it Tropical Storm Olana and expects heavy rain and powerful wind gusts to reach the islands beginning Tuesday.

It says some areas could get 5 to 8 inches of rain over two to three days, especially on south- and west-facing slopes.

Another forecast identifies the system as Tropical Depression Three-C, far southwest of Hawaii, and says it should move east-northeast.

That forecast expects the system to weaken and dissipate before it nears Hawaii, with a weakening storm possibly passing near Johnston Atoll.

The difference matters because the forecasts point to very different risks for Hawaii, and the depression forecast says its track is less certain than usual.

Hawaii's weather outlook depends on how the storm develops and tracks, so updated forecasts will be important.