Hurricane Fausto moving toward Hawaiʻi, dangerous surf forecast
Dangerous surf generated by Hurricane Fausto is expected to build along east-facing shores of Hawaiʻi starting July 26, 2026, before spreading westward through July 27, with additional hazards including heavy rainfall and damaging winds possible early next week. Forecast details are expected to improve over the coming days as the hurricane approaches.
Sattellite image of Hurricane Fausto at 18:50 UTC on July 25, 2026. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Hurricane Fausto is forecast to affect the Hawaiian Islands with hazardous conditions beginning as early as July 27, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall possible as the cyclone approaches the state. The specific extent and location of hazardous impacts will become clearer over the next several days as forecast confidence improves.
“There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Fausto,” the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported.
At 05:00 HST (15:00 UTC) on July 25, Hurricane Fausto was centered about 1950 km (1 210 miles) east of Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The system was moving west at 22 km/h (14 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h (100 mph). The estimated minimum central pressure was 971 hPa.
Hurricane-force winds extended up to 65 km (40 miles) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reached outward as far as 335 km (205 miles).
Long-period swells generated by Fausto are expected to begin reaching east-facing shores of the eastern Hawaiian Islands on July 26 before spreading westward overnight into July 27. Surf is forecast to continue building through July 28 as the hurricane moves closer to the state.
The increasing swell is expected to produce life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along exposed east-facing coastlines. Residents and visitors are advised to follow guidance issued by local authorities and the National Weather Service, as forecast details and potential impacts will continue to evolve over the coming days.
References:
1 Hurricane Fausto Advisory Number 27 – NWS/NHC – July 25, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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