**Hurricane Kristy Intensifies Rapidly, Eyes Further Strengthening**

HONOLULU (Island News) — Hurricane Kristy has undergone a significant intensification over the past six hours, as revealed by recent satellite and ASCAT data. The storm's wind speeds have surged to about 61 mph, and imagery suggests the formation of an eye. With current intensity estimates holding at 75 mph, Kristy has officially been classified as a hurricane.

Kristy is currently traveling west at approximately 18 mph, guided by a subtropical ridge. This western trajectory is likely to persist over the next few days. However, a shift northward is anticipated due to the influence of an approaching mid-level trough. There remains some uncertainty about this northward turn, as weather models offer differing predictions.

The forecast for Kristy’s strength is optimistic, with rapid intensification expected in the next 12 to 24 hours. Projections indicate that the hurricane’s winds could escalate to 115 mph within a day and potentially peak at 132 mph in 60 hours. Following this period of intensification, atmospheric conditions are likely to become less favorable, which could lead to a gradual weakening of the storm. Kristy is expected to transition into a post-tropical cyclone in about 120 hours.