Multiple sources report that Hurricane Fausto is tracking toward the Hawaiian Islands and expected to arrive early-to-mid next week, with forecasters anticipating it will weaken to a tropical storm before reaching the islands. No watches or warnings are currently in effect for Maui County, but officials are urging residents and property owners to prepare now. The 2026 Central Pacific hurricane season is predicted to be above normal overall.
- As of Friday, Fausto had maximum sustained winds of approximately 105 mph and was located about 1,385 miles east of Hilo, moving westward at around 16 mph.
- Forecasters expect Fausto to weaken to tropical storm strength before reaching the Hawaiian Islands, driven by cooler ocean water, drier air, and increased wind shear.
- No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect for Maui County.
- The storm’s center is forecast to pass north of the island chain Tuesday into Wednesday, but forecasters warn that subtle track or intensity shifts could change island-by-island impacts.
- Greatest concerns include elevated surf along east-facing shores, periods of heavy rain, and locally strong winds; east shore surf is expected to rise above advisory levels beginning late Sunday through Tuesday.
- NOAA forecasters have predicted a 70% chance of above-normal Central Pacific hurricane season activity, linked in part to moderate-to-strong El Niño conditions.
- Maui Emergency Management Agency and county officials recommend households stock enough food, water, medications, and essentials to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days.
- A second storm, Tropical Storm Genevieve, formed Friday in the Pacific but is not currently threatening Hawaii. (Spectrum Local News)
Sources
- Mauirecovers: News: County of Maui officials monitor Hurricane Fausto, encourage residents to prepare for hurricane season
- Maui County: Officials monitor Hurricane Fausto, encourage residents to prepare for hurricane season
- Maui Now: Hurricane Fausto predicted to weaken, elevated risk of wind and rain impacts for Hawaiian Island chain
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Fausto expected to pass just north of Hawaii as tropical storm
- Spectrum Local News: Tropical Storm Genevieve forms; Hurricane Fausto strengthens to Category 2
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