Tropical Storm Kiko (pictured in satellite imagery) strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday. Photo courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Tropical Storm Kiko maintained its Category 2 hurricane strengthen late Tuesday, according to forecasters who expect it to become a major hurricane in the next day or two.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 11 p.m. HST update.
It was located about 1,700 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, and was moving westerly at 7 mph, and was expected to continue moving in that direction along open waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean for the next few days, the forecasters said.
“Strengthening is expected during the next day or so, and Kiko is forecast to become a major hurricane on Wednesday,” the NHC said.
There are no weather watches or warnings in effect because the hurricane is expected to stay over the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s forecast to enter drier air and cooler waters in three or four days, but gain strength until it does. It is expected to remain a hurricane for at least five days.
The storm formed on Sunday, making it the 11th named storm in the Eastern North Pacific this year.
