The tropical storm has been gathering pace this week and has now transformed into a hurricane. With the storm barreling towards the US, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released breathtaking images of the hurricane. In one of the images, Storm Erick can be seen approaching the Hawaiian islands with a clearly stated “eye”.
The category 3 hurricane is expected to bring heavy rain and dangerous surf conditions although it is not expected to hit fully hit the land.
Accompanying the image, the NOAA stated: “The storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall to Hawaii and dangerous surf conditions.”
Maximum stated winds speeds stood at 130mph (209kmh).
CNN meteorologist Haley Brink said: “Strong swells are expected to cause dangerous surf along the eastern and southern Hawaii coast over the next 48-72 hours but no coastal advisories are currently issued for the Hawaiian island chain.”
READ MORE: Hurricane Erick NOAA 5am update: Hawaii on alert for flash flooding
Also captured in the incredible images is Storm Flossie which is gathering pace behind Erick.
Due to its distance behind Erick, the storm is still classified as a category 1.
According to CNN, Flossie has only hit maximum wind speeds of 80mph (128kmh).
Worryingly, the hurricane could take a more direct route to Hawaii.
READ MORE: Hurricane Erick NOAA warning: Massive storm moves towards Hawaii
As it stands, forecasts bring Flossie up to a category 2 storm by Friday but will apparently not Hawaii until next week.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu supported earlier claims from the NOAA that the majority of Erick’s conditions will miss the island.
They said: “These additional local island-by-island impacts are highly dependent upon the size, intensity and track of Erick as it moves through the Hawaii region.
“A wet weather pattern for sure.”