A concerning map has been released, predicting the potential path of Hurricane Kiko should it make landfall in Hawaii in the upcoming week.
On Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center along with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center noted that Hurricane Kiko, which was a Category 4 at that time, was gaining strength, prompting speculation that it may escalate into a Category 5 storm in a few days.
The forecast suggests that the hurricane could reach Hawaii by Tuesday afternoon on September 9, according to local time.
According to AccuWeather, the hurricane is currently positioned between southern Mexico and Hawaii, with an expected arrival over the Hawaiian Islands by the middle of next week.
Meteorologists have issued warnings about the potential for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides.
AccuWeather has published a map showing the projected trajectory of the hurricane, which indicates a westward path across Hawaii.
Fortunately, Kiko has weakened and is now categorized as a Category 3 storm with maximum winds of 115 mph.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert, Alex DaSilva, stated, “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.”
DaSilva further explained, “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.”
As the storm progresses westward, it is expected to lose strength due to encountering cooler waters.
The potential impact on Hawaii could be lessened if the storm moves north or south or weakens further before its anticipated arrival next week.
While the storm has been downgraded to a Category 3, it remains uncertain whether it might strengthen again.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has indicated that flash flooding could be a possibility, stating, “Statewide, flash flooding is a possibility. At a minimum, increased showers are expected through much of next week.”
If Kiko does make landfall in Hawaii, it would be an uncommon event, as the islands have only experienced two hurricanes since 1950, according to the historical hurricane path tracker from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Residents of Hawaii are advised to prepare by gathering necessary supplies and familiarizing themselves with evacuation routes.
“For any disaster, people need to be able to access a plan… recognize their vulnerabilities, where they live, work,” said Talmadge Magno from the Hawaii County Civil Defense to Khon2 News.
He added, “The second thing is to receive emergency alerts, they need to sign up for our Everbridge program.”
The hurricane season in this region continues until the end of November.