HONOLULU - After downgrading to Emilia to a Category Two hurricane, the National Hurricane Center says it has strengthened to a Category Three.

As of 2 a.m. Thursday, Emilia was about 2,330 miles east of Hilo, moving in the west-northwest direction at 13 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are at 110 miles per hour, with higher gusts.

Forecasters say a gradual weakening is expected over the next 48 hours.

The NHC also reports that tropical storm Fabio has formed in the eastern north Pacific. As of 4:45 a.m. Thursday, it was approximately 3,000 from the Big Island. Maximum sustained winds are listed at 35 miles per hour, moving at seven miles per hour.

Meanwhile, Daniel has been downgraded to a remnant low and will likely pass well south of the Big Island Friday. At last check, Daniel was about 670 miles south-east of Hilo.

Daniel will tighten up the pressure gradient and strengthen our trade winds to 20-25 miles per hour. There may be some stronger gusts.

Moisture associated with Daniel will get into the trade wind flow and increase showers. Tom Evans, Deputy Director of the CPHC said this morning that two to three inches were possible for the Big Island. Accumulations may be less for other islands.

Bigger surf from Daniel has triggered a High Surf Advisory for east-facing shores of the Big Island. Due to the swell's direction, the other islands are in the shadow of the Big Island and will see less of an increase. The Daniel swell will peak Thursday and Friday.

Currently, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Hawaii.

Earth Changes Media


Mitch Battros | 



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