In a matter of hours today, Hurricane Kiko intensified into to a major hurricane, increasing from Category 2 to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

As of 11 a.m., the center of Kiko was about 1,600 miles east of Hilo with maximum sustained winds at 130 mph with locally higher gusts.

According to Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert, the compact but powerful cyclone entered “an area where atmospheric conditions are conducive to strengthening.”

DaSilva predicted Kiko’s time as a major hurricane will be brief, but the storm could reach Category 5 status, with sustained winds of 157 mph or higher.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Kiko “is currently in the middle of a period of rapid intensification which is expected to last for at least another 12 hours.”

“Some additional strengthening is possible over the next day or two followed by fluctuations in intensity,” NHC’s forecast stated.

The storm has also picked up speed in its movement toward Hawaii, moving westward at 9 mph.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.

Kiko will continue to track westward, reaching Hawaii by the middle of next week, but it is forecast to lose wind intensity and become a tropical storm as it impacts the islands.

“If Kiko continues toward Hawaii, even as a less intense tropical storm, it could still bring significant wind and rain to the islands next week,” DaSilva said.

The Big Island and its high mountains often act as a barrier to westbound tropical storms and hurricanes, causing many to pass south or north of the island. However, even a near-miss by the eye can bring significant impacts, as rain and tropical-storm-force winds can extend hundreds of miles from the center.

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