Hurricane Henriette Expected to Weaken, Pass South of Hawai`i

Hurricane Henriette maintained its intensity over the last forecast period, but is now expected to begin weakening as the system moves over cooler waters during the next couple of days, forecasters said.

As of 5 p.m. on August 7, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center had tracked the system at 1230 miles ESE of Hilo and had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.

The storm was moving toward the WNW at around 10 mph., according the advisory issued by the CPHC.

CPHC Forecasters say the system’s movement is expected to continue tonight before turning westward on Thursday, followed by a turn toward the WSW on Friday.

Forecasters say conditions should result in slow weakening to remnant low status by the end of the period.  The latest forecast shows a slight shift to the south over the next 72 hours.

According to a 5-day tracking model, Henriette is forecast to pass south of Hawaiʻi, possibly on Sunday, but potential impact on the state has not yet been determined.