ZCZC HFOTCDCP1 ALL TTAA00 PHFO DDHHMM Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 18 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI EP062019 1100 AM HST Wed Jul 31 2019 Hurricane Erick is showing signs of weakening in recent satellite imagery. Subjective Dvorak current intensity estimates were 4.5/77 kt from PHFO, 5.0/90 kt from JTWC and 5.5/102 kt from SAB. The initial intensity estimate for this advisory has been decreased slightly to 100 kt. Erick continues moving slightly north of due west with little change in forward speed. The initial motion estimate for this advisory is 289 degrees at 14 mph. Track guidance is tightly clustered through 72 hours with some divergence in the guidance on days 4 and 5. The latest forecast track has changed little from the previous forecast through 72 hours with a slightly north of due west motion expected due to a strong subtropical ridge north of the main Hawaiian Islands. The track forecast for days 4 and 5 has been adjusted to the left of the previous forecast which is in line with most of the reliable model guidance. The intensity guidance remains consistent indicating a gradual weakening trend through the entire forecast period. This is due to an upper trough just north of the main Hawaiian Islands which is inducing southwesterly wind shear over the system. The UW-CIMSS vertical shear magnitude is currently 20 kt from the southwest. As the system continues moving toward the west-northwest, the shear is forecast to increase with Erick weakening to a tropical depression by day 5 FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 31/2100Z 14.8N 148.8W 100 KT 115 MPH 12H 01/0600Z 15.2N 150.5W 90 KT 105 MPH 24H 01/1800Z 15.7N 152.8W 75 KT 85 MPH 36H 02/0600Z 16.2N 155.3W 65 KT 75 MPH 48H 02/1800Z 16.7N 157.8W 50 KT 60 MPH 72H 03/1800Z 18.3N 162.1W 40 KT 45 MPH 96H 04/1800Z 20.1N 166.1W 35 KT 40 MPH 120H 05/1800Z 21.7N 169.0W 30 KT 35 MPH $$ Forecaster Burke NNNN