Forecasters say Iona rapidly strengthened into a hurricane in the central Pacific Ocean and is expected to continue trekking toward the west over warm, open waters well south of Hawaii.

“Confidence remains high that Iona will stay well south of the Hawaiian Islands,” forecasters report. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. There are no other coastal watches or warnings in effect.