A tropical storm that formed over the Central Pacific Ocean rapidly strengthened into Hurricane Iona on Monday, July 28, becoming the first named storm in the region this season.

However, forecasters have assured the public that Iona does not pose an immediate threat to the Hawaiian Islands.

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the hurricane was located several hundred miles south-southeast of Honolulu as of Monday.

Meteorologists said they are confident that Iona’s path will keep it well south of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Initially designated a Category 1 hurricane, Iona is expected to increase in intensity, with maximum sustained winds projected to reach Category 2 levels by Tuesday.

Forecasters added that after this peak, the storm will likely begin to weaken gradually over the course of the week.

Meteorologists said the system began as a tropical depression late Saturday night before gaining strength and receiving its name. Iona is the first hurricane to develop in the central Pacific during the current season.

While the central Pacific is just seeing its first storm, the eastern Pacific has already experienced several this season. Last month, Hurricane Erick made landfall in Mexico as a powerful Category 3 hurricane.

Earlier this month, Hurricane Flossie also reached Category 3 status as it moved along the Mexican coastline, though it did not make landfall. Barbara, the season’s first hurricane in the eastern Pacific, reached Category 1 strength but remained offshore.

In the Atlantic Ocean, three named tropical storms have been recorded so far this year. Forecasters from Colorado State University have predicted an active Atlantic season, expecting 16 named storms in total, including eight hurricanes.