Tropical Storm Kiko continues to strengthen far to the southwest of Hawaii and is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of 5 a.m. today, Kiko was located about 2,133 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, moving west at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph and higher gusts.

Forecasters expect rapid intensification over the next 24 hours, with Kiko likely reaching hurricane strength by Tuesday. The storm’s tropical-storm-force winds currently extend outward up to 45 miles from the center.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and the system poses no immediate threat to Hawaii.

Meanwhile, a mid-level low-pressure system northwest of Kauai and lingering moisture over the western end of the state are expected to bring i

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