Tropical Depression Fausto continued to lose strength early Wednesday as it tracked north of the Hawaiian Islands, and forecasters now expect Tropical Depression Fausto to become a post-tropical remnant low by late this morning.
Fausto weakened from a tropical storm earlier than anticipated on July 29 and is forecast to keep fading through Wednesday night as it moves away from the state.
Tropical Depression Fausto prompts surf advisory
With the system weakening and swells dropping, a high surf warning that had been set through 6 p.m. Wednesday was canceled early this morning. It was replaced with a high surf advisory until 6 p.m. today for all east-facing shores across the islands, according to forecasters.
Swell energy from Fausto has fallen below warning thresholds and is expected to diminish rapidly through the day. Surf of 8 to 12 feet is still possible this morning on east exposures, then quickly dropping below 10 feet by this afternoon as the depression weakens.
Strong breaking waves and powerful currents will continue to pose hazards for swimmers and ocean users while the advisory is in effect. Officials urge the public to follow guidance from ocean safety personnel. When in doubt, do not go out.
Track, intensity and expected dissipation
As of the 11 p.m. update Tuesday from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, Fausto was about 250 miles north of Hilo with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The system was moving west-northwest at 12 mph.
Forecasters said high westerly vertical wind shear and dry mid-level air of roughly 30 percent relative humidity are undermining the cyclone. In these conditions, it will be difficult for Fausto to redevelop enough convection to remain a tropical cyclone, according to the 11 p.m. discussion.
Guidance indicates the remnant low is likely to open into a trough in about 36 hours, with dissipation shortly thereafter. Even as the system fades, officials advise Hawaiʻi interests to continue monitoring conditions until Fausto moves farther away and surf fully subsides.
