Late on August 22, the hurricane passed about  south of Johnston Atoll, with the northeastern portion of the eyewall crossing the atoll early on August 23. After turning westward later in the day, wind shear began to decrease, allowing a second period of rapid deepening.
On August 22nd, the hurricane passed south of Johnston Atoll, with the northeastern part of its eye wall crossing the atoll early on August 23rd. After shifting westward later that day, wind shear lessened, enabling a second surge in intensity.