Tropical Storm Kiko is forecast to continue its path north of Hawaii, after officials earlier this week warned of potential strong breaking waves and powerful currents.
Why It Matters
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that swells generated by the storm were expected to peak across exposed waters of the western Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday night and Wednesday, “producing life-threatening surf and rip currents.”
What To Know
In its most recent update on Kiko, the NHC said the tropical storm was located around 90 miles northeast of Honolulu, Hawaii. The agency reported maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour.
“Slow weakening is expected during the next couple of days, with Kiko forecast to become a tropical depression on Wednesday and a post-tropical remnant low by late Thursday or Thursday night,” it said.
The system is expected by forecasters to pass north of the islands through early Wednesday. The NHC said that while the “threat of direct impacts continues to lower,” interests in the Hawaiian Islands should keep informed on the storm’s progress.
A tropical storm warning was in place for Hawaiian offshore waters as of early Wednesday, with forecasters warning of high waves and isolated thunderstorms.
Meanwhile the Atlantic remained quieter, with no tropical cyclone activity expected by the NHC in the coming week.
On Tuesday, the agency released an update on what to expect over the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, with peak activity historically taking place between mid-August and mid-October.
“There’s been a lot of dry air that’s been limiting thunderstorm activity. However, history tells us that about 60 percent of the season’s activity occurs after the peak, so we’re not out of the woods yet,” said senior hurricane specialist Brad Reinhart.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office, Honolulu, Hawaii, said on X, Monday: “Kiko will pass north of the islands as a tropical storm Tue and Wed, and while no direct impacts are expected, a moist and humid airmass will bring a chance of heavy showers. Large swells will produce High Surf Warning conditions along east facing shores tonight and Tuesday.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said in a post on X on Tuesday: “According to NWS, swells from Tropical Storm #Kiko will bring potential life-threatening surf & rip currents to Hawaii. We encourage residents to check water & surf advisories before going to the beach. Tune into your local officials for the latest updates & safety information.”
What Happens Next
The NHC and NWS issue regular forecast updates on their respective websites.
The Pacific hurricane season runs through November 30, as does the Atlantic hurricane season.
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