Kiko holds at Category 4 strength as it churns toward Central Pacific

Hurricane Kiko remained a powerful Category 4 storm as it continued moving west across the Eastern Pacific.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, Kiko was about 1,410 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,615 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Kiko’s maximum sustained winds remain near 130 mph with higher gusts, and forecasters say the hurricane could strengthen slightly over the next couple of days.

While there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, the NHC cautions that interests across the Hawaiian Islands should monitor Kiko’s progress closely through the weekend.

The hurricane is moving west at 9 mph and is expected to maintain that general motion through tonight before shifting toward the west-northwest on Friday. Kiko is forecast to remain a major hurricane through the weekend, though fluctuations in intensity are possible.

Swells generated by Kiko could begin reaching Hawaii late this weekend, bringing the potential for life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents, especially along east-facing shores. The National Weather Service in Honolulu advises beachgoers, boaters, and coastal residents to stay alert for updates and potential high surf advisories in the coming days.

As of now, Kiko’s hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from its center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 80 miles.

In the latest five-day forecast track, Kiko is expected to be a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph about 70 miles northeast of Hilo by Tuesday afternoon. However the track’s “cone of uncertainty” extends to the Big Island and Maui.

“Kiko is forecast to approach the Hawaiian islands during the early to the middle portion of next week,” hurricane center forecasters said. ” The risk of direct impacts from wind and rainfall is increasing. However, it is too soon to determine the exact location or magnitude of these impacts, and interests there should continue to monitor the progress of this storm.

The hurricane is still far from the islands, but the National Weather Service in Honolulu said, “While a large amount of uncertainly exists, there exists the threat for high rainfall that could lead to flooding in association with Kiko.”

Although there are no coastal watches or warnings at this time, a coastal flood statement remains in effect through Sunday afternoon for all Hawaiian islands. Peak afternoon high tides combined with above-normal sea levels are expected to produce minor flooding along shorelines and low-lying coastal areas over the coming days.

The flooding threat will be highest during the daily afternoon high tides, potentially affecting beaches, coastal roadways, boat ramps, docks and other vulnerable infrastructure. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid driving through flooded roads, secure watercraft stored on beaches, and monitor mooring lines to prevent damage. Officials also recommend moving vehicles, electronics and other valuables to higher ground and rinsing cars that encounter saltwater to prevent corrosion.

Partly cloudy skies and warm, breezy trades will continue through the next few days as the islands remain under the stable influence of a ridge of high pressure northeast of the state. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach the mid- to upper 80s in many areas, with most showers limited to windward and mauka areas.

Forecasters say weather conditions may change by late this weekend with increased rainfall as Kiko moves westward into the Central Pacific. There is a threat of heavy rainfall with possible flooding starting Monday.

Marine conditions are also expected to evolve as Kiko progresses westward. Surf along east-facing shores is currently running below seasonal averages but could rise to advisory levels early next week as energy from the hurricane reaches island waters.

Small to moderate south-southwest swells are expected to build this weekend, peaking Saturday into Sunday, while north- and west-facing shores will remain relatively small until a series of moderate northwest swells arrives next week.

Forecasters urge residents to monitor updates as forecasts are refined.
Source: The Garden Island