It’s been decades since a hurricane hit there 😯

Hurricane Kiko is forecast to approach Hawaii early next week, with landfall predicted for Tuesday, September 9, according to the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Initially classified as a Category 4 storm, Kiko built significant strength in the Pacific, sparking concerns it might reach Category 5 status. However, the hurricane has since weakened slightly and has been downgraded to a Category 3, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph.

AccuWeather reports that the storm is currently positioned between southern Mexico and Hawaii and is expected to move westward over the Hawaiian Islands by midweek. A forecast map released by AccuWeather highlights the storm’s projected path, showing it tracking directly toward Hawaii. Meteorologists caution that even if Kiko continues to lose strength, the islands could still face damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and the possibility of landslides.

Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva noted that Kiko is likely to maintain at least Category 3 intensity for the coming days. While cooler waters may weaken the storm as it pushes westward, forecasters stress that the impacts could still be significant if landfall occurs. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has warned that statewide flash flooding remains a real possibility, with increased showers expected throughout next week.

If Kiko does strike Hawaii, it would be a rare event; the islands have only been hit by two hurricanes since 1950, according to NOAA records. Officials are urging residents to prepare by gathering emergency supplies, knowing their evacuation routes, and signing up for alerts through Hawaii’s Everbridge program. Hurricane season in the Pacific will continue through the end of November.