Storms weakening

LIHUE — Both storms taking aim at Hawaii are losing speed and strength, but rain and storm swells are still expected.

As of Thursday afternoon, Tropical Storm Erick was passing just south of Hawaii Island, and no coastal watches or warnings were in effect. Maximum wind speeds were about 65 mph, higher near the center of the storm.

“Moisture associated with Erick will spread over portions of the Hawaiian Islands through Saturday, bringing the potential for localized heavy rainfall. Total rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are possible, with localized higher amounts,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane report said Thursday.

Flossie is following on Erick’s heels and is at tropical-storm status.

Predictions are that the storm will pass north of Hawaii, and Thursday it was tracking straight toward the islands with maximum wind speeds of about 65 mph.