ZCZC HFOTCDCP1 ALL TTAA00 PHFO DDHHMM Hurricane Erick Discussion Number 19 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI EP062019 500 PM HST Wed Jul 31 2019 Hurricane Erick is slowly weakening as seen in recent satellite imagery with the eye becoming cloud filled. Subjective Dvorak current intensity estimates from all fix sites came in at 4.5/77 kt. The initial intensity estimate for this advisory has been decreased 90 kt which may be a big generous. Erick continues moving slightly north of due west with little change in forward speed. The initial motion estimate for this advisory is 280 degrees at 14 mph. Track guidance remains 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 as a strong subtropical ridge remains north of the main Hawaiian Islands. The track forecast for days 4 and 5 has been adjusted slightly 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 22 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 in about 96 hours. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 01/0300Z 15.1N 149.6W 90 KT 105 MPH 12H 01/1200Z 15.5N 151.3W 75 KT 85 MPH 24H 02/0000Z 16.1N 153.7W 60 KT 70 MPH 36H 02/1200Z 16.6N 156.2W 50 KT 60 MPH 48H 03/0000Z 17.1N 158.6W 40 KT 45 MPH 72H 04/0000Z 18.4N 163.3W 35 KT 40 MPH 96H 05/0000Z 19.9N 166.9W 30 KT 35 MPH 120H 06/0000Z 21.0N 169.6W 30 KT 35 MPH $$ Forecaster Burke NNNN