According to the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Erick is packing winds of up to 132mph. These wind speeds make it a category four hurricane on the Saffir Simpson wind scale. It has rapidly strengthened, and Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km).
When will Hurricane Erick hit Hawaii? What time is landfall?
As of the latest NOAA update at 5pm HST (3am BST) Erick was located approximately 750 miles (1210 KM) east southeast of Hilo, Hawaii and around 965 miles (1550 KM) east southeast OF Honolulu Hawaii.
Erick is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue for the next several days.
Whilst the hurricane itself is not forecast to make a direct hit on Hawaii, the effects of the weather system will be felt.
According to NOAA, swells generated by Erick will arrive in the Hawaiian Islands over the next couple of days, potentially producing dangerous surf conditions, mainly along east facing shores.
Erick is the third hurricane of the 2019 East Pacific hurricane season, following Alvin and Barbara.
It is closely followed by Hurricane Flossie, which became the fourth of the season.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Erickson said: “As Erick passes to the south of Hawaii, rough surf and increased rip currents will impact the Big Island.”
Huge swells will impact east-facing beaches on the Big Island, beginning today and continuing through to the weekend.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Renee Duff said: “The highest surf will be along beaches exposed to the open ocean, and rough surf may expand to south-facing shores as Erick passes by.”
Swimmers and surfers are urged to avoid those areas and stay out of the water if possible.
Rain is also expected to affect the Big Island as Erick passes, with thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
These could trigger flash flooding, so residents are warned to be prepared.