Hawaii hurricane Fausto is Category 2, nears islands next week
Hurricane Fausto has strengthened into a Category 2 storm in the East Pacific and is forecast to approach Hawaii next week as a much weaker system. Officials say Hawaii hurricane Fausto impacts remain uncertain, but the risk of wind, rain, and high surf is rising as the storm tracks west toward the islands.
Key Takeaways
- Fausto had 100 mph sustained winds Thursday night more than 1,600 miles east of Hilo, according to the National Hurricane Center.
- The storm is forecast to enter the Central Pacific on Sunday as a strong tropical storm, then steadily weaken.
- The official outlook brings a weak tropical storm near Hawaii early next week, with winds near 40 mph by Tuesday.
- East-facing shores could see building high surf late this weekend into early next week.
- Exact wind and rainfall impacts remain unclear; interests in Hawaii should keep monitoring the storm.
How strong is Hurricane Fausto right now?
As of 11 p.m. Thursday, Fausto had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and was moving west at 15 mph, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported, citing the National Hurricane Center in Miami. ABC News reported the system had strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane as it moved across the East Pacific.
Hurricane-force winds extended up to 45 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds of at least 39 mph reached outward as far as 185 miles. The center was more than 1,600 miles east of Hilo at that update.
Will Hawaii hurricane Fausto still be a hurricane when it arrives?
Forecasters expect Fausto to enter the Central Pacific on Sunday as a strong tropical storm, then weaken further as it approaches Hawaii early next week. The official forecast shows a weak tropical storm near the islands, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph by Tuesday.
Some forecast models point to an even faster fade, including the possibility that Fausto degenerates into a remnant low while approaching Hawaii. Cooler waters and stronger wind shear are expected to drive the weakening trend this weekend.
What impacts should Hawaii residents watch for next week?
Weather officials said Fausto is forecast to approach during the early to middle portion of next week, and the risk of some wind and rainfall impacts is increasing. It is still too soon to determine the exact location or magnitude of those effects.
The latest five-day forecast cone of uncertainty included all islands except Kauai on Tuesday, meaning the track could include a direct hit on those islands. Confidence is higher on marine hazards: swells generated by Fausto are expected to build surf along east-facing shores late this weekend into early next week, potentially reaching advisory levels.
For related coverage and updates, browse BlasterPost's Future Tech & AI Wonders category hub while tracking official National Hurricane Center guidance.