Big Island to be affected most by Hurricane Erick

Hawaii island is expected to bear the brunt of Hurricane Erick, which is forecast to bring rough seas with high surf rising to about 15 to 20 feet.

A high-surf warning is in effect for the east-facing shores of Hawaii island until 6 p.m. today, as Erick, downgraded to a category 2 hurricane, weakens.

“At this point most of the impacts will be on the Big Island, but there’s also increased winds over coastal waters,” said Jeff Powell, senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Some heavy rainfall over the windward slopes of Hawaii island is expected this week, with the highest threat for flash flooding occurring along the southeast- and east-facing slopes of the island. However, wet weather is forecast from east to west across all islands as Erick passes south of the state today and Friday.

The hurricane was moving toward the west at about 14 mph, with winds near 105 mph as of Wednesday afternoon. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Flossie has also weakened and is forecast to enter the central Pacific basin late Friday.

“If it affects us at all it will be next week Monday and Tuesday most likely,” Powell said.

Maximum sustained winds decreased to near 65 mph Wednesday with higher gusts and little change in strength forecast during the next 36 hours. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the center.

A flash flood watch continues for Hawaii island from this afternoon through Saturday morning.