Dora continues westward trek south of the Hawaiian Islands, maintains major hurricane status

Update at 5:17 p.m. Aug. 6: Hurricane Dora, still a major Category 4 storm, is continuing her trek across the Central Pacific basin and is still expected to pass safely to the south of the Hawaiian Islands.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, Dora was about 890 miles east-southeast of South Point on the Big Island and 1,725 miles east of Johnston Island moving west at 22 mph. The hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles out from the storm’s center and tropical storm-force winds extending up to 70 miles out.

Dora is expected to continue her westward track for the next several days, with minor fluctuations in intensity possible and gradually weakening.

As for the forecast for the islands, the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu said in its 3:48 p.m. Hawai’i area synopsis that moderate trade winds will prevail through today. However, significant changes are expected Monday through Wednesday as dry air with strong winds with potentially damaging wind gusts move into the region.

During the latter half of the week, a return to more seasonable trade wind weather is expected.

Original story: Category 4 Hurricane Dora is now in the Central Pacific.

As of 5 a.m. today, the major hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and was moving at 21 mph, continuing on a westward track that will take it south of the Hawaiian Islands. Dora was 1,095 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,110 miles east-southeast of South Point on the Big Island.

The storm is forecast to continue that westward motion across the Central Pacific basin for the next several days, with fluctuations in intensity still possible. Gradual weakening is expected by midweek.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from Dora’s center, while tropical storm-force winds extend out up to 60 miles.

Despite the storm forecast to stay well to the south of the islands, it will have an affect on the weather. The gradient between high pressure north of the main Hawaiian Islands and Hurricane Dora passing safely south of the islands could drive very strong and gusty easterly winds across the area in the coming days.

Because of those expected windy conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch from Monday morning through late Tuesday night for leeward areas of the state, including Kauaʻi.

Strong and gusty winds combined with low humidity could lead to critical fire conditions across leeward areas throughout the coming days. East winds of 20 to 30 knots with higher gusts are forecast, with humidity hovering from just 40% to 45% during the afternoons and evenings.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A high wind watch also was issued for southwestern, southern and northern Kauaʻi and mountain locations from Monday morning through late Tuesday night. Northeast winds of 25 to 45 mph are expected, with localized gusts over 60 mph possible.

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel also could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

The public is advised to take precautions now to protect property. Tie down loose objects or move them to a sheltered location.

The weather agency said in its 3:30 a.m. Hawaiʻi area synopsis that moderate trade winds will prevail through today, with a possibility of showers increasing later today. The highest rainfall chances remaining over windward areas.

Expect windy, very gusty and dry conditions Monday into Wednesday.