Hurricane Kiko approaches Hawaiian Islands as Category 4 storm, residents on alert

Expected weakening before landfall

Although currently powerful, the cooler waters surrounding Hawaii are expected to weaken Kiko as it approaches land. Meteorologists predict it will downgrade to Categories 2 and 1 before turning into a tropical storm by the time it makes landfall on the Big Island, according to KHON, cited by The Hill.

Rare threat for Hawaii

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (EMA) posted an update on X, saying that while the exact location and intensity of impacts remain uncertain, wind and rain could pose serious risks next week. If Kiko maintains its strength, Hawaii could face its first major hurricane strike in more than three decades, as per the New York Times. The last one was Hurricane Iniki in September 1992, which remains the strongest and most destructive in the state's history with sustained winds of 145 mph and gusts of up to 175 mph.

Second Hurricane of the season

It is to be noted here that Hurricane Kiko is the second hurricane of the Pacific season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Last month, Hurricane Erin emerged in the Atlantic but did not make landfall. Authorities have urged Hawaiians to take Kiko seriously and stay prepared.