Hurricane Kiko’s center is headed toward the Hawaiian Islands as a Category 4, and officials have declared an emergency, though the storm is expected to weaken.
Kiko was about 1,205 miles east-southeast of Honolulu with 130 mph winds, as of 5 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time, or 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, according to the National Weather Service. With 25 mph winds, the hurricane was moving west-northwest.
The NWS said Hurricane Kiko will reach Big Island and Maui by Sunday, peaking along the eastern parts of the Hawaiian Islands late Monday through midweek.
The state of Hawaii issued a state of emergency Friday, as life-threatening surf and rip currents are possible, allowing for the possibility of federal assistance during a disaster. It will last through Sept. 19 unless extended or ended early.
“To ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, the state and counties will stand ready to mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and respond quickly to any possible damage caused by the storm,” said Acting Governor Sylvia Luke. “We urge residents and visitors to monitor updates, follow official guidance and prepare accordingly.”
Given the cooler water surrounding Hawaii, Kiko is expected to downgrade to Categories 2 and 1, then to a tropical storm before making landfall on the Big Island, according to NewsNation local affiliate KHON. A tropical storm has wind speeds between 39 mph and 73.
This is the second hurricane this season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Hurricane Erin emerged last month in the Atlantic Ocean but didn’t make landfall.
