Hurricane Kiko moves toward Hawaiʻi as it reaches Category 2 strength

Hurricane Kiko strengthens to Category 2 as it moves west about 1,740 miles east of Hilo.

The hurricane is intensifying in the general direction of Hawaiʻi and is expected to make a gradual turn toward the west-northwest late this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters in Honolulu.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, Hurricane Kiko is moving at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected during the next day or so, and it is forecast to become a major hurricane on Wednesday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.

The story will be updated as more information comes in from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).