Olaf became the fifteenth named tropical system of the year in the eastern Pacific, and since its formation, the hurricane shifted into the central Pacific.
- Hurricane Olaf is located several hundred miles east of the Big Island of Hawaii.
- On Monday morning, Olaf strengthened into a major hurricane (Category 3 or stronger), and by Monday afternoon had rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane. Olaf remained a Category 4 until early Wednesday morning when it was downgraded to a strong Category 3 hurricane.
- Olaf has been fluctuating between a strong Category 2 and a weak Category 3 hurricane since Thursday night.
- Olaf is now making a turn toward the northeast. The storm is expected to remain a hurricane through this weekend, though weakening slowly with time.
- This hurricane is not a direct threat to Hawaii or any other land areas. However, high surf generated by Olaf is expected to affect Hawaii into Saturday. A high surf advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for the south facing shores of all islands and a high surf warning has been issued for the north and east facing shores of Hawaii's Big Island. Waves of 12-18 feet are forecast along east facing shores of the Big Island, with waves of 5-8 feet along south facing shores. Dangerous rip currents are also expected.
- According to the National Hurricane Center, Olaf is the farthest south forming major hurricane on record in the eastern Pacific basin. Reliable records in that basin began in 1971.
Latest Storm Status and Satellite Image
Forecast Path, Intensity
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