Hurricane Kiko, a Category 2 hurricane, continues to churn away in the Eastern Pacific on a forecast path that could affect Hawaii.

As of 11 a.m. today, Kiko was about 1,175 miles east of Hilo.

Maximum sustained winds were 100 mph, with locally higher gusts, and the storm is moving westerly at 6 mph. That path, according to forecasters, is expected to continue through Wednesday, with a gradual turn to the west-northwest expected to occur later this week.

“Hurricane Kiko will be entering an area where atmospheric conditions are conducive to strengthening,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert. “It is not out of the question that Kiko can reach major hurricane status over the coming days.”

According to the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm could become a Category 3 hurricane as early as Wednesday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the storm’s center, and tropical-storm-force winds are extending outward up to 60 miles.

How closely Kiko tracks to Hawaii will play a major role in the impacts. If Kiko moves closer to the islands, there will be a greater risk for tropical downpours and gusty winds by the middle of next week.

Regardless of the exact track, increased surf and strong wave action are expected, according to forecasters.

“If this storm continues to track closer to Hawaii, impacts could be felt on the islands by the middle of next week,” DaSilva said.

Although Kiko is not expected to affect the islands through the remainder of this week, both residents and visitors are advised to monitor updates.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.