The storm was forecast to pass west of the main Hawaiian Islands while remaining a hurricane, bringing its strongest impacts to exposed areas. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Lowell was expected to weaken gradually while continuing to affect parts of the region through early this week.
Storm Path Brings Wind, Rain and Flooding Risks to the Islands
According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Lowell had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph early Monday and was located southwest of Hawaii as it moved toward the island chain. The storm’s center was expected to move across portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument west of the main islands before turning northwest and slowing down.
The hurricane warning covered Kauai County, Niihau, and parts of the marine monument. A warning means hurricane conditions are expected within the affected area within 36 hours. Tropical storm conditions were also expected in Kauai County, with officials urging residents to complete preparations before conditions deteriorated.
The NHC reported that hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 60 miles from Lowell’s center, while tropical storm-force winds reached farther across the surrounding area. The storm was expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches on Kauai, with isolated maximum amounts of 14 inches possible. The Big Island could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 12 inches possible, according to the NHC.
Heavy rainfall raised concerns about flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island. Flood watches were issued across several Hawaiian islands as moisture associated with Lowell spread through the region.
Coastal Hazards and Emergency Preparations Continue
Beyond rainfall and wind, Lowell was expected to create dangerous marine conditions across Hawaii. According to the National Weather Service, large swells generated by the hurricane could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents across many islands.
A high surf warning was issued for south-facing shores of all islands and west-facing shores of the Big Island. Forecasts called for surf to increase as Lowell approached, with warning-level conditions expected along exposed coastlines. The storm also brought the possibility of additional hazards. The NHC said several tornadoes could develop near Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon into Monday night, with a few tornadoes possible elsewhere across the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii officials declared a state of emergency as Lowell approached. The state positioned emergency resources on Kauai, including National Guard personnel and equipment, in preparation for possible impacts.
According to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, residents were advised to review emergency plans, prepare for possible power outages and maintain supplies of water, food and other necessities. Local authorities also identified potential emergency shelter locations on Kauai if conditions required their use.
Lowell was the third tropical system in recent weeks to threaten Hawaii during an active period in the central Pacific. The region had also been affected by other storms, including Karina and Marie, though those systems were not expected to directly impact the islands.
