Updated at 5 a.m. Sept. 5
Hurricane Lowell, now a category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 mph, is forecast to make a turn toward the northwest by tonight, followed by a faster motion toward the north and north-northeast on Sunday and Monday as it approaches Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
As of the 5 a.m. Saturday advisory, the center of Lowell is forecast to move across portions of the
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, just to the west of the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday night.
The storm is moving slowly at only 7 mph in a westward motion and was located about 630 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe.
Later today, hurricane watches are likely to be required for portions of the western main Hawaiian Islands and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next day or so, followed by a gradual weakening trend on Sunday and Monday as it gets closer to Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
Lowell and Hurriane Karina on the east side of the Hawaiian Islands are generating big swells. A high surf advisory has been extended until 6 p.m. Sunday for south and east shorelines throughout the entire state.
Surf will build to 12 feet along south shorelines and up to 14 feet along eastern exposures, producing large breaking waves and strong currents, both of which could be life-threatening. These swells are likely to increase early next week.
Heavy rain, with estimated rainfall totals from Lowell of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated maximum totals exceeding 10 inches, forecast for Kauaʻi County and the Big Island. The rain associated with Lowell is expected to impact the Hawaiian Islands Sunday afternoon and continue through early next week.
Periods of heavy rain may produce locally significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Maui is forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of up to 8 inches possible. Remaining islands of the state will likely see 1 to 2 inches, with up to 4 inches possible.
Winds could be an issue, with National Hurricane Center graphics showing Kaua’i County having a 5% to 40% chance of experiencing tropical storm force winds as Lowell moves by to the west.
Those winds are forecast to arrive sometime after 8 a.m. Monday.
The storm is bringing back memories for some Kauaʻi residents of the catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane ʻIniki, which in 1992 struck the island, killing seven people and doing an estimated $3 billion in damage.
“We need everyone on Kauaʻi to take this storm seriously and finish preparing now,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami. “Know where you will go if you need to leave your home, gather essential supplies and sign up for emergency alerts. Our county teams are ready, but preparedness begins with each household.”
Residents and visitors should monitor official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, secure outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen. Never drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.
Visitors should confirm flights, accommodations and activities directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. Visitor information is available online and by calling 1-800-GOHAWAII.
To receive county emergency alerts:
- Kauaʻi: Text KAUAIEMA to 888777
- Hawaiʻi Island: Text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777
- Maui County: Text MAUIALERTS to 38276
- Oʻahu: Text HNLALERT to 888777
The public should continue closely monitoring Lowell’s progress. Check National Weather Service forecasts and products for any additional advisories, watches or warnings issued and for specific weather information for your community.
