Hawaii: Hurricane Kiko is advancing towards Hawaii as a Category 4 storm, prompting the state to declare an emergency, The Hill reported.

As of 5 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time (11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time), the National Weather Service (NWS) said the hurricane was located about 1,205 miles east-southeast of Honolulu with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Moving west-northwest at 25 mph, the storm is projected to reach the Big Island and Maui by Sunday, with peak impacts expected on the eastern parts of the islands late Monday through midweek, according to The Hill.

Hawaii issued a state of emergency on Friday amid warnings of life-threatening surf and rip currents, a move that opens the door to federal assistance if needed.

"To ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, the state and counties will stand ready to mobilise resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and respond quickly to any possible damage caused by the storm," Acting Governor Sylvia Luke said, as reported by The Hill. "We urge residents and visitors to monitor updates, follow official guidance and prepare accordingly."

While currently a powerful system, Kiko is expected to weaken as it nears Hawaii. Given the cooler waters surrounding the islands, the storm is forecast to downgrade first to Categories 2 and 1, and later to a tropical storm before landfall on the Big Island, NewsNation affiliate KHON reported, cited by The Hill.

Kiko is the second hurricane of the season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The first, Erin, developed in the Atlantic last month but did not make landfall.

Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) also issued an update on X, noting: “Kiko will approach Hawaii during the early to middle portion of next week. Wind and rain impacts remain a possibility, but it is still too soon to determine the exact location & magnitude of these impacts.”

EMA has urged residents across all islands to remain alert, monitor official updates, and continue preparations. (ANI)