Multiple sources are reporting that Hurricane Fausto is being monitored by Maui County and state emergency officials as it tracks toward the Hawaiian Islands next week. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before arrival, but officials warn that swells, dangerous surf, and heavy rainfall are still possible. No watches or warnings are currently in effect for Maui County.
- Hurricane Fausto was approximately 1,300 miles east of Hilo as of July 25, packing 100 mph winds as a Category 2 storm
- The storm is expected to downgrade to a tropical storm by July 27 before approaching the Hawaiian Islands
- Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai are included in the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone graphics
- No watches or warnings are currently in effect for Maui County
- Damaging winds and heavy rainfall could reach the islands as early as Monday night, July 27
- Hazardous swells and dangerous rip currents could arrive as early as Sunday on the eastern end of the state
- The probability of tropical storm-force winds affecting the islands is currently estimated at 5% to 10%
- NOAA has predicted an above-normal Central Pacific hurricane season, with a 70% chance of above-normal activity linked in part to potential El Niño conditions
- Mayor Richard Bissen urged residents to prepare families, pets, neighbors, and vulnerable community members including kūpuna and those with disabilities (Maui Now)
- Two additional storm systems are being tracked in the Pacific — Tropical Storm Genevieve formed July 24, and a third area of disturbed weather is likely to become a tropical storm in the Western Pacific (USA Today)
- Seas near the center of Fausto were estimated at 36 feet as of July 25 (USA Today)
- Residents can sign up for Maui County emergency alerts and review family emergency plans including communication strategies and supply readiness
Sources
- Maui Now: Maui County officials monitor Hurricane Fausto, encourage residents to prepare for hurricane season
- USA Today: Hurricane Fausto forecast to bring swells to Hawaii. See the maps.
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