This story was updated on Sept. 2 at 2 p.m.
Lowell has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph as it passes 445 miles south of Hilo.
The swells generated by Lowell are likely to affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands beginning on Wednesday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, according to the 11 a.m. Wednesday forecast of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a high surf advisory through 6 a.m. on Thursday.
Swells from Hurricane Lowell will quickly fill in on Wednesday and will produce 7 to 10 feet of surf for the southeast Big Island. Additionally, a moderate long-period south swell filled in Tuesday night and will produce elevated surf along southern exposures Wednesday.
Lowell, which is a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, is expected to remain a powerful hurricane for the rest of the work week.
Hurricane Lowell is traveling west at 10 mph. A westward motion is anticipated during the next several days due to a mid-level ridge over the Central Pacific. But a sharp turn toward the north or north-northeast is forecast in four to five days.
There is considerable uncertainty on how sharp that turn might be.
Hurricane-force winds are extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds are extending outward up to 90 miles.
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 145 mph, but it is expected to weaken within a few days to a tropical storm. It is now 1,455 miles east of Hilo.
Karina’s path is expected to continue moving westward to west-northwest. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles.
Tropical Storm Marie with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph is about 415 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California.
Both Hurricane Lowell and Karina are not expected to present any severe weather impacts to the state, and will continue to be monitored closely.
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.
Kaua‘i County officials encourage the public to check and replenish their emergency disaster kits. Emergency disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs.
A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate. County, state, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and actively coordinate in preparation for this potential event.
The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
- Stay away from downed lines and report to 9-1-1
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts
Other important numbers and resources
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
- Kauaʻi Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org
- Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.
For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
