Hurricane Kiko Strengthens to Category 4 as Tropical Storm Lorena Looms; Heavy Rain and Flooding Risk for Hawaii and Southwest
Kiko reached 130 mph winds and is moving toward Hawaii for early-to-mid next week, while Lorena — downgraded from a hurricane — is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of the southwestern U.S.
Hurricane Kiko intensified into a Category 4 storm midweek and was carrying maximum sustained winds of 130 mph as of Thursday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center said, while Tropical Storm Lorena — downgraded from hurricane status on Thursday — is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding to portions of the southwestern United States in the coming days.
Kiko is moving toward Hawaii but remains more than 1,000 miles from Honolulu and has shown slight weakening since late Wednesday. Forecast models and the NHC indicate the storm could reach the state early to mid next week, though the exact timing and whether the system will make landfall remain uncertain. No tropical watches or warnings have been issued for the islands as of Thursday.
Meteorologists caution that even if Kiko weakens to a tropical-storm strength before reaching the islands, it could still deliver significant wind and rainfall that would raise the risk of flooding and localized damage, AccuWeather said. The NHC continues to monitor changes in intensity and track, and warned that rapid fluctuations remain possible over the coming days.
Lorena is a separate system moving through the Pacific along a different track. Forecasters downgraded it from a hurricane to a tropical storm on Thursday, but it remains capable of producing intense rainfall across parts of the southwestern United States and Hawaii in the immediate outlook. Local officials and weather agencies have highlighted the potential for flash flooding, especially in areas with recent burn scars or already saturated ground.
The concurrence of two tropical systems in the eastern and central Pacific complicates forecasting and preparedness efforts. Each storm is being tracked independently by the NHC, which issues updates on projected paths, wind speeds and hazards. Emergency management agencies in Hawaii and affected mainland jurisdictions have urged residents to review storm plans, secure property, and stay alert to updates as forecasts evolve.
Historically, storms approaching the Hawaiian Islands have produced hazardous surf, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall that can trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly on windward slopes. In the southwestern United States, tropical moisture from Pacific systems can produce intense downpours over short periods, leading to rapid runoff and flood conditions in vulnerable urban and rural landscapes.
Forecasters emphasize that rapid changes in intensity and track are possible with tropical cyclones, and they encourage residents in potentially affected areas to follow official guidance from the NHC, state and local emergency management offices, and trusted weather services. Further advisories, watches and warnings will depend on how the storms evolve over the next several days.