Ignacio Becomes Post-Tropical, Remnant May Be Alaska Bound

September 4,2015

Current Status and Forecast:

• Ignacio has transitioned to a post-tropical cyclone in the north-central Pacific Ocean.
• Ignacio's contribution to Hawaii's high surf along north-facing shores is diminishing.
• Swells from Ignacio pushed sand and other debris onto some beaches and roadways on the Islands earlier this week.
• At one point Saturday evening into Sunday morning, Ignacio was one of three Category 4 hurricanes in the Pacific, joined by Kilo and Jimena.

​Recap: High Surf Impacts Hawaii

Earlier this week, dangerous surf lashed east-facing shores of Hawaii, particularly the Big Island and Maui, so far this week. The Star Advertiser of Honolulu reported sand and debris washing up onto some roads, which has also prompted beach closures.

Several tropical systems have threatened Hawaii over the past few weeks, but most of them changed course and/or weakened before directly impacting the islands.
Climatologically speaking, virtually all hurricanes near the Hawaiian Islands since 1950 have approached from the southeast, south or southwest. Those approaching from the east tend to either weaken quickly or shift north of the islands. Iselle in 2014 was one notable exception, however.
(MORE: Hawaii's Hurricane History)
MORE: Hurricane Satellite Imagery