UPDATE: Dora weakens to Category 2 hurricane; storm expected to cross into Central Pacific on Sunday

Update at 5 p.m. Aug. 4: Hurricane Dora has weakened to a Category 2 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, as it moves west toward the Central Pacific at 18 mph.

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., Dora is on a steadfast trajectory toward the west and is forecast to move into the Central Pacific basis Sunday, still to the south of the state. The hurricane was about 1,456 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California at 5 p.m. Friday and about 1,735 miles east of South Point on the Big Island.

The storm is expected to pick up its speed during the next few days. Some additional weakening is forecast through Saturday, followed by little change in strength Sunday and Monday.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 15 miles out from Dora’s center, with tropical storm-force winds extending up to 45 miles out.

Despite the storm continuing on a track that will likely take it well south of the Big Island, Hawaiʻi County is closely monitoring the Dora and other related weather patterns as the hurricane makes its way into the Central Pacific.

“Moderate trade winds will prevail through the weekend,” the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu said in its 3:37 p.m. Hawaiʻi area synopsis Friday. “An upper trough moving near the islands may trigger a modest increase in shower activity, with the highest rainfall chances remaining over windward areas. Trades will ramp up early next week, and windy, very gusty and dry conditions are expected late Monday into Wednesday.”

At this time, the County has no plans to cancel any outdoor events scheduled through the weekend. However, all event organizers, participants and attendees should remain vigilant and stay updated on the latest weather advisories.

Residents should be prepared for potential changes should the weather situation evolve. The County encourages residents to sign up for Everbridge messages from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, including critical notifications directly through their preferred communication channels. To register for the service, click here.

For updates and additional information, visit the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense website.

Original story: Hurricane Dora weakened slightly Friday morning, but still is a major Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph as it moves westward over the open Eastern Pacific.

As of 5 a.m. on Friday, Dora was 1,850 miles east-southeast of Hilo, traveling west at 18 mph.

The storm is forecast to weaken further over the next two days or so and remain on a track to pass hundreds of miles south of the Hawaiian Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Breezy trade winds will decrease through Friday, then remain at moderate strength through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Shower coverage will remain limited Friday, with the best rainfall chances over windward areas. An upper trough moving near the islands may trigger a modest increase in shower activity this weekend.

Trades will increase early next week, with very gusty and dry conditions possible late Monday into Wednesday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles.