Hurricane Fausto Friday Update: Storm expected to weaken before reaching Hawaiʻi, high surf advisory extended

Updated 3:30 p.m. July 24

Hurricane Fausto, the first hurricane of 2026 to move into the Central Pacific Basin, strengthened overnight to a Category 2 and now has maximum sustained winds of 105 mph as of the 11 a.m. Friday advisory by the National Weather Service. 

The storm was centered approximately 1,460 miles east of Hilo on the Big Island and moving west at approximately 15 mph. The storm is expected to continue along this general track for the next several days.

Forecasters believe Fausto is at or near its peak intensity and they expect gradual weakening to begin as the system moves over cooler waters and encounters drier air and increasing wind shear.

The National Weather Service has expressed relatively high confidence that Fausto will have weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reaches the vicinity of Hawaiʻi, according to Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency.

A high surf advisory for south-facing shores of the entire state was extended until 6 p.m. Saturday as a long-period south-southwest swell continues to produce advisory level surf along south-facing shores this afternoon.

Forecasters at National Weather Service in Honolulu said the swell is expected to decline tonight, but a reinforcing pulse of long-period south-southwest energy high surf is expected to bring surf back to advisory level by Saturday afternoon and possibly continuing through the weekend.

The swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the National Weather Service advisory said. A depiction of rip current risk for the United States can be found here.

As of Friday morning, no coastal watches or warnings were in effect for the Hawaiian Islands. Officials urge the public to continue monitoring the forecast closely through the weekend.

“Our community knows how quickly conditions can change on our island, and we have seen time and again that the families who stay informed and prepare early are the ones who weather these events best,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Right now there is no immediate threat to Kauaʻi, and we are not asking anyone to be alarmed.”

But Kawakami is asking everyone on Kauaʻi to be prepared.

“Take a few minutes this week to check and restock your emergency kit, talk story with your family and neighbors about your plan, and sign up for our emergency notifications so you receive information directly,” he said.

The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October.

Officials encourage every household to maintain a 14-day supply of food, water, medication, and other essentials; prepare a portable disaster supply “go kit”; keep important documents in a waterproof container; understand the hazards that may affect their home or neighborhood; review potential refuge options; and make arrangements in advance for pets, kūpuna, and family members with access or functional needs.

“Fausto is a good reminder that hurricane season is here and that everyone should be prepared,” said Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio.

Should conditions warrant, county services and facilities may close with little to no advance notice, depending on the severity of the storm and its effects.

The county may open potential refuge areas across the island if forecasts and conditions warrant.

The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/kema, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies.

Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on the incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue media releases, update the county website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.

The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option to consider, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas. Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.

Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. For road status and closures, call 808-241-1725. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711. For weather information, call the National Weather Service automated line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo.

Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.

Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:

• Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment.
• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment.
• Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
• Stay away from downed lines and report them to 9-1-1.
• Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.

The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go. For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a County lifeguard, visit www.safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness information:

• Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – www.kauai.gov/kema.
• National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
• Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
• Do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.

To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and click on “Notification Services.” You may also call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.