Douglas Barreling Toward Hawai‘i as Category 4 Hurricane

Douglas is now barreling toward the Hawaiian Islands as a Category 4 hurricane, weather reports indicate Thursday afternoon.

The weather event is now about 1,125 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Maximum sustained winds are at 130 mph. Swells generated by Douglas are expected to begin affecting portions of the Hawaiian Islands on Saturday.

“Douglas is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Hawaiian Islands,” according to a report from the National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane is expected to gradually weaken starting Friday and continue through the weekend. Douglas is on track to approach the Hawaiian Islands Saturday night and be near the island chain on Sunday.

“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” according to a report from the National Hurricane Center.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time.