This story was updated on Sept. 2 at 7:10 p.m.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane hunters report Lowell is now a Category 4 hurricane as of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center update advisory at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
And the storm is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days.
Swells generated by Lowell are spreading northward throughout the islands and will affect portions of the state throughout the next several days. They likely will cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a high surf advisory through 6 p.m. Thursday.
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.
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect.
The center of Hurricane Lowell was located about 440 miles south of Hilo by 5 p.m. and the storm was exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, with higher gusts and hurricane force winds extending up to 35 miles and tropical storm force winds extending up to 90 miles outward from the storm’s center.
The storm was moving west at 10 mph.
That general motion, with a gradual decrease in forward speed, is expected to continue, along with some fluctuations in intensity also forecast; however, Lowell is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days.
Lowell is being steered by a low- to mid-level ridge to the north. Because of this, the hurricane should continue moving westward for the next 2 to 3 days. After that, the track wil be controlled by a developing mid- to upper-level trough or low seen in water vapor imagery.
Global forecast models forecast that feature to move east or southeast towared the islands during the next several days, then turn west to the north of Lowell. This would likely break down the ridge north of the hurricane and allow it to turn northward; however, there is a wide spread of possibilities of when and where that turn could happen.
The model consensus again shifted a little eastward, and the new forecast track is again nudged a little eastward.
The hurricane is expected to stay in a favorable environment of high oceanic heat content and low shear for at least the next 3 days. However, the intensity guidance calls for slow decay during this time despite the favorable environment.
Based on this, the intensity forecast also calls for slow decay. It is likely, though, that eyewall replacement cycles will cause fluctuations in intensity superimposed on the slow decay.
Lowell should start experiencing increasing shear caused by the upper-level trough, and a more pronounced weakening could begin by about Day 5. There remains high confidence that Lowell will remain a major hurricane through the weekend.
Additional tropical cyclone activity to the east
There also are two storms in the Eastern Pacific: Category 4 Hurricane Karina and Tropical Storm Marie.
Hurricane Karina weakened slightly this afternoon now; although, it is still a Category 4 storm with winds of 130 mph. A slow weakening is still in the forecast, followed by a more steady rate of weaking during the next several days. It is now 1,325 miles east of Hilo.
Tropical Storm Marie became Category 1 Hurricane Marie on Wednesday afternoon, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm is now located about 375 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
Hurricanes Lowell and Karina are not expected to present any severe weather impacts to the state, and continue to be monitored closely.
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.
