Hurricane hones in on Hawaiian waters, strength to increase
Digital Reporter
Friday, July 31, 2015, 1:26 PM - Tropical Storm Guillermo rapidly intensified to hurricane status in the eastern Pacific Friday, and is on track to approach Hawaii sometime next week.
The storm is currently at Category 1 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
"Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 90 mph (150 km/h), with higher gusts," a statement from the U.S. National Hurricane Center reads. "Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Guillermo could become a major hurricane over the weekend."
Weather Network meteorologist Erin Wenckstern says the storm could reach Category 2 or Category 3 status, but it likely won't be that strong when it nears Hawaii sometime next week.
That's because the storm will enter a part of the ocean with more wind sheer, which will sap much of its strength.
"As of right now, it looks like its going toward Hawaii, but it will likely reach it as a tropical storm," she says.
No watches or warnings are currently in effect for the storm.
SOURCES: National Hurricane Center | The Weather Network
Hurricane Guillermo still working on its eye but should become major over next 24 hrs ... max out at Cat 4 pic.twitter.com/jMuYZUt8iI
— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) July 31, 2015
