Hawaii is on high alert as Hurricane Kiko barrels across the Pacific, currently a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Early Friday morning, the state declared an emergency to prepare for potential impact, especially across the Big Island and Maui.
“Kiko is expected to weaken as it gets closer,” the National Weather Service noted, but the threat of high surf, strong winds, and dangerous currents remains serious.
At 5 a.m. HST, Kiko was 1,205 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 25 mph. The storm could reach the eastern parts of the islands by late Monday.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke stated, “To ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, the state and counties will stand ready to mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and respond quickly to any possible damage caused by the storm.”
Meteorologists believe Kiko will downgrade before landfall due to cooler surrounding waters. Still, residents are urged to stay informed and ready.
This marks the second hurricane of the Pacific season, which runs through November 30th.
