Henriette Strengthens Intensity, Steady Weakening Forecast

Henriette, Aug. 8, 2013. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS/CPHC.

By Wendy Osher

Hurricane Henriette strengthened its intensity over the last forecast period with maximum sustained winds now at 100 mph, according to advisories issued by the National Hurricane Center.

As of 5 a.m., the Central Pacific Hurricane Center had tracked the system at 1100 miles ESE of Hilo and 1195 miles ESE of Kahului.

Forecasters still maintain that the system is expected to begin steady weakening due to marginal sea surface temperatures and west-southwesterly shear expected during the next couple of days.

According to a 5-day tracking model, Henriette is forecast to pass south of Hawaiʻi, possibly on Sunday, but potential impact on the state has not yet been determined.

According to information released by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the Category 2 Hurricane is expected to gradually begin weakening later today.

“The forecast track passes the storm south of Hawaii, but be aware that these tracks can change. We do expect a rise in east facing shore surf, particularly for Big Island this weekend due to swell generated by Henriette,” agency officials said in an online update.

Henriette satellite imagery, 5 p.m. HST 8/7/13. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS/CPHC.

(Update: 8:23 p.m. 8/7/13)

Hurricane Henriette maintained its intensity over the last forecast period, but is expected to begin steady weakening as the system moves over cooler waters during the next couple of days, forecasters said.

As of 5 p.m., the Central Pacific Hurricane Center had tracked the system at 1230 miles ESE of Hilo; 1290 miles ESE of Kailua-Kona; 1265 miles E of South Point; 1325 miles ESE of Kahului; 1380 miles ESE of Kaunakakai; 1360 miles ESE of Lānaʻi City; 1425 miles ESE of Honolulu; 1520 miles ESE of Līhuʻe; and 1575 miles ESE of Niʻihau.

Henriette had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, and was moving toward the WNW at around 10 mph., according the advisory issued by the CPHC.

CPHC Forecasters say the system’s movement is expected to continue tonight, and turn toward the west on Thursday, followed by a turn toward the WSW on Friday.

Forecasters say conditions should result in slow weakening to remnant low status by the end of the period.  The latest forecast shows a slight shift to the south over the next 72 hours.

According to a 5-day tracking model, Henriette is forecast to pass south of Hawaiʻi, possibly on Sunday, but potential impact on the state has not yet been determined.

Henriette 5-day forecast track, as of 5 p.m. 8/7/13. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS/CPHC.