ZCZC HFOTCDCP1 ALL TTAA00 PHFO DDHHMM Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 17 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI EP062019 500 AM HST Wed Jul 31 2019 Satellite imagery continues to show Hurricane Erick becoming less well organized. The eye has become ragged and the area of coldest cloud tops over the center continues to shrink and become less symmetrical. Subjective Dvorak current intensity estimates were 6.0/115 kt from JTWC and 5.5/102 kt from SAB and PHFO, while ADT is 5.0. The initial intensity estimate for this advisory has been decreased slightly to 105 kt. Erick remains a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Erick continues moving slightly north of west with little change in forward speed. The initial motion estimate for this advisory is 280 degrees at 13 mph. There has been little change in the philosophy for the forecast track or intensity. Guidance remains consistent showing Erick tracking slightly north of west for the next 48 hours as it moves south of a strong subtropical ridge, passing south of the Big Island of Hawaii Thursday night. After passing the islands, Erick will gradually turn towards the northwest. This track will take Erick into an area of stronger vertical wind shear associated with a persistent trough aloft. That environment is expected to produce steady weakening. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 31/1500Z 14.5N 147.5W 105 KT 120 MPH 12H 01/0000Z 14.8N 149.0W 95 KT 110 MPH 24H 01/1200Z 15.3N 151.3W 80 KT 90 MPH 36H 02/0000Z 15.9N 153.7W 65 KT 75 MPH 48H 02/1200Z 16.4N 156.2W 50 KT 60 MPH 72H 03/1200Z 17.6N 160.8W 40 KT 45 MPH 96H 04/1200Z 19.5N 164.0W 35 KT 40 MPH 120H 05/1200Z 21.0N 166.0W 30 KT 35 MPH $$ Forecaster Donaldson NNNN