Hawaii remains on high alert as Hurricane Lowell, a major Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, continues to barrel towards the edges of the state’s western islands.
The National Hurricane Center forecast a north-northeastward to northward motion at increasing speed through Tuesday. On that track, the core of Lowell is expected to pass near or just west of Niihau tonight and early Tuesday.
After passing the main Hawaiian Islands, the storm is forecast to turn northwest and slow by early Wednesday. Gradual weakening is anticipated, though Lowell is expected to remain a hurricane during its closest approach. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds up to 175 miles.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Kauai County (Kauai and Niihau) and portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for Oahu on Monday morning after successive eastward adjustments in the official forecast.
The National Hurricane Center noted that some better-performing models, including HCCA and GDMI, have tracked along the eastern edge of the guidance envelope. Further eastward adjustments could bring the core closer to the populated islands, though the official track keeps the center west of Niihau.
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Hurricane Lowell is approaching Hawaii as a Category 3 storm, prompting hurricane warnings for Kauai and bringing the threat of life-threatening conditions, hurricane-force wind gusts, dangerous surf, and rip currents.
Forecasters warn the storm could pass within about 100 miles… pic.twitter.com/1vvIO8WhZa
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Rainfall totals of six to 10 inches are forecast for Kauai, with isolated amounts up to 16 inches possible. Oahu and Maui County are expected to receive four to eight inches, with isolated totals of 10 inches, while The Big Island may see between four and eight inches, with isolated totals of 12 inches. These amounts could produce flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island.
Storm surge of between two and four feet is possible in Kauai County, mainly along the south coast of Kauai and Niihau, with up to one foot possible on Oahu. Large swells are producing life-threatening surf and rip currents statewide. Tornadoes are possible near Kauai and Niihau.
Rainbands from Lowell have already spread over Kauai and Oahu, producing flash flooding on Oahu, including along Kamehameha Highway north of Waikane. High surf has affected south- and west-facing shores. A statewide flood watch remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon, along with high-surf warnings and advisories.
“We are taking Hurricane Lowell extremely seriously and preparing now, before conditions deteriorate. State, county and federal partners are coordinating closely and positioning personnel, equipment and other resources where they may be needed. I urge everyone, especially those in Kauaʻi County, to complete their preparations, follow official alerts and stay away from floodwaters, dangerous surf and other hazardous areas,” said Governor Josh Green as the storm approached.
The state has issued an emergency proclamation, pre-positioned resources, and opened refuge areas on Kauai. Residents are advised to monitor official updates as conditions are expected to worsen throughout Monday afternoon.
