Kiko holds at Category 4 strength as it churns toward Central Pacific

Hurricane Kiko remained a powerful Category 4 storm as it continued moving west across the Eastern Pacific.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, Kiko was about 1,410 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,615 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Kiko’s maximum sustained winds remain near 130 mph with higher gusts, and forecasters say the hurricane could strengthen slightly over the next couple of days.

While there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, the NHC cautions that interests across the Hawaiian Islands should monitor Kiko’s progress closely through the weekend.

The hurricane is moving west at 9 mph and is expected to maintain that general motion through tonight before shifting toward the west-northwest on Friday. Kiko is forecast to rema