Hurricane Fausto Hawaii forecast data shows the storm entered the Central Pacific overnight and was still a Category 1 hurricane at 5 a.m. today, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says it should weaken as it nears Hawaii, then pass north of the islands Wednesday as a 45 mph tropical storm.
At 5 a.m., Fausto was centered 910 miles east of Hilo and moving west at 14 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 miles from its center, while tropical storm-force winds reach 175 miles out.
Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecast
Forecasters said, “Fausto is expected to weaken as it approaches the vicinity of the Hawaiian islands this week.” They also said, “Although confidence continues to increase that the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall will remain north of the islands, interests across Hawaii should continue to monitor the progress of Fausto.”
The forecast map shows only Kauai inside the cone of uncertainty, and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Fausto will likely become a remnant low by Thursday as it moves beyond Kauai. By the time it passes north of the Hawaiian Islands, the center said, it is expected to be a weakening tropical storm, with the deepest convection displaced from the low-level center and the strongest winds confined to the northern side of the circulation.
Hawaii surf advisories
High surf advisories are posted for all islands. A south-shore advisory covers all islands through 6 p.m. today, with waves of 7 to 10 feet. An east-shore advisory covers Oahu and the Big Island through 6 p.m. Wednesday, with waves of 10 to 14 feet.
The center said a building east swell from Hurricane Fausto is expected to begin hitting all exposed east-facing shores today. East shore surf should rise as Fausto draws closer, then decline Wednesday as the system passes to the west.
Oahu weather this week
Oahu is expected to see sunny skies and breezy tradewinds today and Monday, with high temperatures in the 80s. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the forecast calls for numerous showers and breezy winds of 15 to 25 mph.
From Thursday onward, the center said a drier and more stable breezy tradewind pattern will fill in across the state as Fausto continues westward away from Hawaii. For now, the practical concern is the surf already reaching exposed shores while the storm’s core stays north of the islands.
