At 500 AM HST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Lester was located near latitude 19.7 North, longitude 148.4 West. Lester is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast over the next couple of days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 968 mb (28.59 inches).

SUMMARY OF 500 AM HST…1500 UTC…INFORMATION

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LOCATION…19.7N 148.4W
ABOUT 435 MI…700 KM E OF HILO HAWAII
ABOUT 625 MI…1005 KM E OF HONOLULU HAWAII
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…110 MPH…175 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 14 MPH…22 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…968 MB…28.59 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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The Hurricane Watch has been discontinued for Hawaii County.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Maui County including the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe

And Oahu

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. In this case, conditions are possible in the next 18 to 36 hours.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

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WIND: Hurricane conditions are possible over Maui County late tonight and Saturday, and are possible over Oahu Saturday and Saturday night.

SURF: Large swells generated by Lester will arrive in Hawaiian waters the next couple of days, including the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Surf generated by these swells will peak this weekend in the main Hawaiian Islands, becoming very large and possibly damaging along exposed shorelines.

RAIN: Heavy rains associated with Lester may impact Maui county and Oahu from late tonight into Sunday.

Keep tuned to KWXX-FM for the latest updates..