Update on the hurricanes

Fading hurricanes bypassing Isles

Hurricane Jova, on track to bypass Hawai'i, is expected to begin weakening today.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, Jova was about 800 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawai'i, and headed northwest at 7 mph, said National Weather Service forecaster Derek Wroe. Jova intensified yesterday and was packing winds of 115 mph.

The forecast is that Jova peaked yesterday and there will be a "slower, weakening trend as it passes east of the islands," Wroe said. "But there is still uncertainty and always a chance this could change."

The current forecast is for Jova to be 450 miles east of Hilo with 80 mph winds by Thursday. "It shouldn't have much of an impact except for slowing rising easterly swells," Wroe said.

Hurricane Kenneth, meanwhile, also picked up strength yesterday but is expected to begin weakening to a tropical storm by tomorrow, said Wroe.

Preparedness has been on the minds of Hawai'i residents. Costco, which had run out of bottled water, received a shipment yesterday and supplies are back to normal, store officials said.

Seen at http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050920/NEWS01/509200310/1190/NEWS