Honolulu, Hawaii – Dangerous surf and strong currents remain the biggest concern across Hawaii as Tropical Storm Fausto tracks north of the islands. While the storm is expected to steadily weaken over the next several days, hazardous ocean conditions will continue along east-facing shores even as impacts on land remain relatively limited.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, Tropical Storm Fausto was located about 340 miles east-northeast of Hilo late Monday night, moving west-northwest at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1000 millibars. The storm is forecast to continue on a west-northwest track, remaining north of the Hawaiian Islands while gradually weakening.
A High Surf Warning remains in effect for east-facing shores as swells generated by Fausto continue building westward across the island chain. Large breaking waves and powerful rip currents will create dangerous conditions for swimmers, surfers and anyone near the shoreline through Tuesday.
Over land, Fausto is expected to weaken the trade winds, allowing daytime sea breezes to develop across many islands. Those lighter winds could support a few locally heavy showers during the afternoon and evening, particularly over interior and leeward communities, but widespread flooding is not anticipated.
Residents and visitors should stay out of the water at beaches affected by high surf, avoid standing on exposed rocks or jetties and follow all instructions from local lifeguards and emergency officials. Continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, as advisories will be updated while Fausto moves north of the islands.
