Updated Sept. 3 at 11 a.m.
Category 4 Hurricane Lowell is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days as it makes its turn toward the north-northwest portion of the Hawaiian Islands by the weekend, according to the Thursday 11 a.m. advisory of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
“It is still forecast to be at or near major hurricane strength when making its closest approach to the Hawaiian Islands,” according to the advisory.
Forecasters said while it is still too soon to determine the exact track of the hurricane, which now has sustained winds near 140 mph, Lowell could bring storm surge, wind and rainfall impacts to portions of Hawaiʻi early next week.
Graphics from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center put Kaua‘i directly impacted by winds from Lowell, which arrival times estimated for 8 a.m. on Monday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.
As of the latest advisory, the storm was about 585 miles south of Līhuʻe, traveling west at 10 mph. This general motion, with a gradual decrease in forward speed, is expected during the next
couple of days, followed by a turn toward the northwest and north this weekend.
The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to begin preparations now as the forecast track for Hurricane Lowell has shifted closer to the County of Kauaʻi.
“As of Thursday morning, the forecast is confident of the strength of Hurricane Lowell, but still uncertain of its path,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We are urging everyone to prepare now. Build your kit, fill your gas tank, secure your yard, check on your neighbors and your kūpuna, and talk story with your ʻohana about your plan before the weekend arrives. If Lowell passes us by, we will have lost nothing but a little time. If it does not, we will be grateful we started today.”
Forecasters caution that confidence in the extended track remains low. Sharp changes in direction are difficult to predict, and the storm’s exact path will determine how significant the impacts to Kauaʻi are. The track could still shift farther east and closer to the island, or move away.
“We urge our community to prepare now,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “Lowell is still several days away, and a storm making a sharp turn like this one is difficult to pin down. Models have shown that the track has moved east, towards Kaua‘i. Our teams are coordinating with the National Weather Service and our partners around the clock. What we ask of our community right now is to get ready, and stay with official sources, sign up for our notification service Everbridge, so we can reach you when it matters.”
Now, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Hawaiʻi.
Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next few days, but Lowell is expected to remain a major hurricane when it makes its expected northern turn.
Strong swells generated by the storm continue to spread northward and will affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days. The swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the advisory said.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a high surf advisory, which has been extended through 6 a.m. Friday for south and southeast shorelines.
Swells from Lowell started to fill in Wednesday, with surf from 7 to 10 feet expected for south and southeast shorelines.
Strong and gusty trade winds are expected to continue across Kauaʻi through Sunday, with gusts over 50 mph possible in some areas, particularly over and downwind of terrain and in exposed locations. Passing showers will primarily affect windward and mauka areas, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.
The public should pay attention to National Weather Service in Honolulu for additional forecasts, changes and any other advisories, watches or warnings are posted. Forecasts for specific locations can be found on the National Weather Service website.
Kaua‘i County encourages public to plan now
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 also 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 can quickly become hazardous. Emergency rescues might not be possible during severe weather.
Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go.
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative standard tips to prepare for power outages:
- 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 Kauaʻi Police Department Dispatch 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.
Sign up for Everbridge, the county’s emergency notification service, by visiting the Kauaʻi Emergency Management website and click “Notification Services.” You can also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777 or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management at 808-241-1800.
Additional tropical cyclone activity to the east
There also are two storms in the Eastern Pacific: Hurricane Karina and now Hurricane Marie.
Category 3 Hurricane Karina, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, is about 1,135 miles east of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 10 mph.
Gradual weakening is expected to continue; however, Karina is expected to remain a hurricane for the next couple of days.
Category 1 Hurricane Marie was is about 440 miles southwest from the southern tip of Baja California, moving west-northwest at 10 mph, with sustained winds of 90 mph.
Hurricanes Karina and Marie are not expected to present any severe weather impacts to the state, and continue to be monitored closely.
