A map released by AccuWeather has revealed the forecasted path of the hurricane, which is set to move westward across Hawaii.
The good news is that Kiko has lost intensity and has now been downgraded to a Category 3 storm with maximum winds of 115mph.
“Kiko is forecast to maintain a major hurricane of at least Category 3 strength (130-156 mph) late this week as it tracks west toward Hawaii,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.
“If Kiko continues toward Hawaii, even as a less intense tropical storm, it could still bring significant wind and rain to the islands next week.”
It’s thought that when the storm moves westward, it should lose intensity as it encounters cooler water.
Impacts on Hawaii will be reduced if it moves north or south – or if it weakens even more – before it’s expected to hit next week.
In spite of the downgrade to a Category 3, it’s currently too early to know for sure if it could strengthen again.
Yet, it’s believed that flash flooding is possible, with the National Weather Service in Honolulu explaining: “Statewide, flash flooding is a possibility.
“At a minimum, increased showers are expected through much of next week.”
