ZCZC HFOTCDCP1 ALL TTAA00 PHFO DDHHMM Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 13 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI EP062019 500 AM HST Tue Jul 30 2019 The eye of hurricane became much more distinct in infrared satellite imagery overnight, which indicates that rapid intensification has occurred. The latest intensity estimates from the satellite agencies are 5.0 (90 kt) from SAB, 5.5 (102 kt) from HFO, and 6.0 (115 kt) from JTWC. The CIMSS ADT estimate using the raw T number suggests the intensity is close to 100 kt. For this advisory, we are intensifying Erick to 100 kt, so it is now a major hurricane. Note that the initial wind radii for this advisory were adjusted based on a 0633Z ASCAT pass, which covered nearly the entire circulation of Erick. The hurricane's initial motion is 280/15 kt for this advisory. The mid-level ridge to the north is still forecast to weaken later today, which is expected to cause a slower forward motion toward the west-northwest. The track guidance now appears to have somewhat less spread. The latest ECMWF and its ensemble mean continue to be slightly faster than the rest of the models. For this advisory, we are more closely following the latest NOAA corrected consensus (HCCA) output. As a result, the track has been nudged slightly to the right of the previous forecast during the 12-48 hour time frame. After that, the latest track forecast follows the previous forecast during days 3-5. The latest estimates for wind shear in the vicinity of Erick appear to be less than 10 kt from the west. In addition, sea surface temperatures remain close to 28C along the track for the next couple of days, and the CIRA Ocean Heat Content values show sufficient warm water at depth along the forecast track. Therefore, the environment around Erick will likely remain conducive for additional intensification during the next 12-24 hours. The current forecast closely follows the HCCA, as well as the consensus intensity forecast output, IVCN. Some gradual weakening is forecast to begin starting around 36 hours, and continuing through 48 hours. After that time, the circulation around a broad upper-level trough in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands will likely cause a significant increase in shear (at least 25 kt from the west) as Erick continues to move toward the west-northwest. Therefore, this advisory continues to show rapid weakening during the 2-3 day time frame. This weakening trend will likely persist during days 4 and 5. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 30/1500Z 13.4N 142.8W 100 KT 115 MPH 12H 31/0000Z 14.0N 144.6W 110 KT 125 MPH 24H 31/1200Z 14.8N 146.6W 110 KT 125 MPH 36H 01/0000Z 15.4N 148.6W 100 KT 115 MPH 48H 01/1200Z 15.9N 150.8W 90 KT 105 MPH 72H 02/1200Z 16.6N 155.8W 50 KT 60 MPH 96H 03/1200Z 17.5N 160.0W 40 KT 45 MPH 120H 04/1200Z 19.0N 164.0W 35 KT 40 MPH $$ Forecaster Houston NNNN