Hurricane update - 11 August

Hurricane Flossie has turned into a category 3 hurricane in the Pacific, shortly crossing into the Central Pacific region west of 140 degrees longitude west. The system carries winds near its centre of 100 knots / 125 mph, but is not threatening land at this juncture.

Hawaii is on the look-out for Flossie, which still lies 1,100 miles to the east. Flossie is not expected to be a hurricane by the time it reaches the islands on Tuesday, as lower ocean water temperatures and adverse atmospheric conditions will have taken their toll. The storm will pass about 150 miles south of Hawaii - but there is a degree of uncertainty. The advisories by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center should be monitored closely; the next one is due at 5 am local time (1500 GMT), and are issued every 6 hours.

Flossie sends her regards ahead