Olaf Continues North Trek East of the State
Hurricane Olaf remains far east of Hawai’i as it holds its category 3 hurricane status, moving at a rate of about 9 miles per hour in a north direction with maximum sustained winds at 120 mph, as of 5 a.m.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that as of its 5 a.m. update, Hurricane Olaf was located about 640 miles east-southeast of Hilo.
Forecasters expect that Hurricane Olaf will travel in a north to northeast motion through Friday morning before turning towards the northeast through Saturday and Sunday.
Despite maintained wind speeds, CPHC forecasts that Hurricane Olaf will begin to lose some of its strength through Sunday.
Hurricane force winds are extending outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds are extending up to 160 miles.
High surf is expected over the weekend, as Hurricane Olaf has generated swells that will bring life-threatening and potential damaging surf along east facing shores. A High Surf Warning is posted for East facing shores, and a High Surf Advisory is posted for South facing shores.