Lowell has intensified into a hurricane and is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane Wednesday night as it passes hundreds of miles south of the Hawaiian Islands.
But the swells generated by Lowell are likely to affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands beginning on Wednesday for the Big Island. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, according to the 5 a.m. Tuesday forecast of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Hurricane Lowell has sustained maximum winds of 80 mph, as it travels west-northwest at 12 mph. The latest forecast said the storm was 575 miles southeast of Hilo.
Winds should not be a factor for the Hawaiian Islands, and especially Kauaʻi, with hurricane-force winds extending outward only up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 90 miles.
Forecasters and officials continue to monitor Hurricane Lowell closely. No coastal watches or warnings are in effect.
There also are two storms in the Eastern Pacific: Category 4 Hurricane Karina and Tropical Storm Marie.
Hurricane Karina now is a monster storm with winds of 140 mph, but it is expected to weaken within a few days to a tropical storm. It now is 1,280 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
Tropical Storm Marie is about 400 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico.
Civil Defense encourages residents and businesses to review or develop preparedness plans now, before the next storm arrives.
People should also continue to monitor local radio broadcasts for official advisories, watches or warnings issued in your area. Forecasts for specific locations can be found on the National Weather Service website.
Contact Hawai‘i County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or visit the Civil Defense website if you have any questions or require assistance.
Check the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map for even more information.
