Hurricane Fausto is moving west across the eastern Pacific Ocean and could pass near Hawaii by the middle of next week, according to forecasters.
As of Friday morning, the storm was a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. Meteorologists expect Fausto to hold onto its hurricane strength through the weekend before gradually weakening into a tropical storm as it continues its trek away from Mexico.
Forecasters say the system will likely maintain tropical storm status through mid-week while traveling across open water toward the Hawaiian Islands.
“Hawaii will need to monitor the progress of Fausto, as it is forecast to move near or just north of the islands around the middle of next week,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert.
Even if the center of the storm stays offshore, officials warn that rough conditions are likely along the coast. High surf and dangerous rip currents pose the biggest immediate threat, particularly for east- and north-facing beaches.
“There can also be an uptick in gusty winds and locally drenching showers, depending on the exact track of the storm,” DaSilva said.
Elsewhere in the Pacific, weather watchers are keeping an eye on two other areas of concern. A tropical depression formed well southwest of Mexico, and another system southwest of Hawaii shows a high chance of developing into a tropical storm. Neither system poses a direct threat to land.
The activity comes during what is projected to be an above-average Pacific hurricane season. Driven by El Niño conditions, forecasters expect higher-than-normal storm counts in 2026, with one to two direct impacts projected for Hawaii before the season ends.
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