Hurricane Kiko: A Powerful Storm in the Pacific
Hurricane Kiko has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 cyclone over the open Pacific, with winds reaching up to 145 mph. The storm is currently located about 1,000 miles away from Hawaii and is expected to steer away from the islands. However, the indirect impacts of the storm are still to be determined.
As of Thursday, Kiko was still over 1,200 miles east-southeast of Hawaii and expected to commence a significant weakening process over the weekend. Due to error rates associated with forecasting hurricanes, the Big Island did fall underneath the five-day forecast cone, but meteorologists caution that Kiko will be a completely different storm when it approaches the islands.
Factors Affecting the Storm’s Path
Several factors, including cool sea surface temperatures, hostile upper-level winds, and dry air, will act as a barrier between the hurricane and the islands, resulting in limited impacts. Satellites estimate that sea surface temperatures between the hurricane and the Big Island of Hawaii are in the mid-70s, which is considered cooler than what a cyclone typically needs for strengthening. 
Hurricane Kiko
(FOX Weather)
Hurricane experts widely consider water temperatures of at least 79 degrees to be warm enough for storm systems to organize and strengthen. Based on the forecast cone, rough seas and occasional showers look to be nearly a guarantee, with the possibility of increasing impacts if the cyclone were to take a more southern route.
Hawaii’s History with Hurricanes
Data from NOAA shows only four major hurricanes with winds of at least 115 mph passing within 50 miles of the 137 Hawaiian Islands. In August 2021, the remnants of Hurricane Linda passed directly over parts of the state after the system weakened into a non-trackable entity. The remnants produced heavy rainfall on some islands, with elevated waves on north- and east-facing beaches. 
Hurricane Kiko track
(FOX Weather)
And in 2020, Hurricane Douglas came even closer and triggered the issuance of watches and warnings but still did not make a direct landfall. It remains to be seen how close Kiko will get to the islands, so for now the National Hurricane Center is just reminding residents to keep a close eye on the forecast. 
Hawaii Hurricane History
(FOX Weather)
For the latest updates on Hurricane Kiko, visit Here
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