Honolulu, Sep 7 (AP) A weakening Hurricane Kiko is expected to track north of Hawaii in coming days, reducing the threat of strong winds and heavy rain on the islands but still bringing potentially dangerous surf conditions, forecasters said on Sunday.
Kiko was about 1,025 km east of Hilo on the Big Island on Sunday and was forecast to pass north of the islands Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Hurricane Centre in Miami said.
The hurricane was moving west-northwest at 20 kph.
Maximum sustained winds stood at 175 kph on Sunday, down from 195 kph on Saturday, with more weakening forecast in coming days as the storm moves over cooler waters.
No coastal watches or warnings were in effect for Hawaii. The hurricane centre said the risks of direct impacts on the islands appeared to be decreasing but it urged people in the islands to continue monitoring the storm's progress.
Forecasters have warned of potentially life-threatening rip currents and surf along the islands' east-facing shores with waves expected to reach 10 to 15 feet in some places. (AP) ARI