Hurricane Guillermo began weakening and slowing down Sunday, with 90 mph winds and a forward speed of 11 mph.
The projected track for the center continues to run just north of the Big Island, passing directly over Maui early Thursday morning — however, it is still too early to say just where the storm will go. Heavy rains and wind could be felt on the Big Island starting Wednesday, with effects projected to last into Thursday.
Increased wind shear is forecast to continue weakening Guillermo, which is expected to arrive as a tropical storm with sustained winds around 50 mph. The cyclone was located 785 miles east-southeast of the Big Island on Sunday evening and traveling west-northwest.
Hurricane winds extend out 45 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds reach 140 miles out from the center, according to new data from U.S. Air Force Reserve “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft, which flew into the hurricane for the first time on Sunday.
Large, dangerous surf ahead of Guillermo will build to around 14 feet on east-facing shore on Monday, according to a coastal hazard message from the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Strong current and breakers will make swimming and other water sports very dangerous during this period.
Hawaii County Civil Defense and other emergency responders around the state continue to monitor the cyclone’s progress. Emergency managers are urging residents to prepare, have emergency supplies on hand and to continue paying attention to the storm.
Forecasters note the range of error possible in long range forecasts and say it is still to early to know which part of the state may be most heavily impacted. Damaging winds can extend well away from a storm’s center.
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