Hawaii Braces for Potential Impacts as Hurricane Lowell Strengthens to Category 4

Hurricane Lowell has intensified to a Category 4 storm as it moves across the Pacific and is expected to turn northward on Sunday, bringing the possibility of damaging winds, high surf and flooding to the western Hawaiian Islands. Forecast models differ on the storm’s exact track, but the latest runs place its center offshore, west of Kauai, reducing the likelihood of the most severe impacts on the islands.

The National Hurricane Center indicated that watches could be issued for parts of Hawaii on Saturday, with the storm projected to approach closest on Monday. Rainfall forecasts call for 3 to 6 inches on Kauai and the Big Island, with isolated amounts exceeding 10 inches, while Maui could see 2 to 4 inches, up to 8 inches in some areas. Officials warned that such precipitation could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous terrain.

Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation to expedite the deployment of personnel, equipment and resources across the state. > "This proclamation gives our agencies and counties the flexibility to move people, equipment and resources quickly so we can protect communities across every island," Green said. > "We encourage everyone to remain prepared and continue following official weather updates."

The storm’s rapid intensification—rising from a 70-mph tropical storm to a 160-mph Category 5 in 36 hours—makes it one of the fastest-strengthening cyclones recorded in the central Pacific, though it has since been downgraded to Category 4. Nearby systems, Hurricane Karina and Hurricane Marie, are also being monitored, with Karina expected to weaken below hurricane strength and Marie likely to generate dangerous surf and rip currents along the California coast over the Labor Day weekend.