An Update on the Pacific Tropical Systems (Credit: NHC, Central Pacific Hurricane Center)

Discussion: Hurricane Erick is currently located approximately centered 510 miles southeast of Hilo, HI. As of 11am HST on July 31, 2019,  the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s latest advisory has Erick moving to the west-northwest at 14 mph. Erick’s maximum sustained winds are 115mph which is indicative of a category three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The Saffir-Simpson scale measures a hurricane’s maximum sustained winds.  Forecasters predict that Hurricane Erick will slowly weaken over the next 48 hours. Looking at Hurricane Erick’s forecast cone, it will pass south of the Hawaiian Islands. There are still some hazards to land that will be associated with Erick. Swells that are generated by this storm will arrive to the islands within the next few days. These swells could cause dangerous surf conditions along the western shorelines. Rainfall is another hazard, as moisture from this storm makes its way over the islands. Rainfall is expected to be heaviest over the eastern and southeastern slopes of the Big Island of Hawaii. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flash flood watch as heavy rainfall that could cause flooding is expected. 

    According to the National Hurricane Center,  satellite imagery shows that Tropical Storm Flossie is weakening. It currently has maximum sustained winds of 70mph. It is moving towards the west-northwest over open water and isn’t expected to be a threat to land. Flossie’s current structure and the wind shear in the area where Flossie is present have been contributing to its weakening. A tropical system needs low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures in order to help it thrive. As we head through the late summer into the fall, check the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center for the latest on any developing tropical disturbances.  If you live in a hurricane prone area, it is important to be prepared! 

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© 2019 Meteorologist Shannon Scully