TRACKING KRISTY | Hurricane Kristy strengthens to a category 5 storm | Local

HONOLULU (Island News) — Satellite images show a warming circular eye for Hurricane Kristy, which has strengthened to a category 5 hurricane with an initial intensity of 160 mph.

Kristy is moving steadily west at 16 mph and is expected to turn northwest over the weekend. While conditions are favorable for the next 24 hours, the hurricane will likely weaken rapidly due to increased wind shear and cooler waters.

Forecasts indicate it may become post-tropical within 72 hours and degenerate into a remnant low by 96 hours.