Category 4 Hurricane Lowell Maintains Strength, Tropical Storm Conditions Expected for Kauaʻi County by Monday

A tropical storm watch is active for Kauaʻi County, including Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the south. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that Lowell held steady as a Category 4 hurricane at 8 p.m. Saturday, moving northwest at about 5 mph and expected to turn north on Sunday. The storm, located roughly 620 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, has hurricane-force winds extending 45 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds out to 175 miles.

Forecasts indicate a north-northeastward track after the Sunday turn, with the storm’s forward speed increasing Sunday night and Monday. Lowell’s center is projected to pass over parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument by Monday night, prompting a hurricane watch for the monument from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals.

Rainfall forecasts call for 4-8 inches across Kauaʻi County, with isolated totals possibly exceeding 12 inches. The Big Island could see 2-6 inches, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches; Maui is expected to receive 2-4 inches, with isolated peaks of 8 inches, while the remaining islands anticipate 2-4 inches. The precipitation may trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly on Kauaʻi and parts of the Big Island.

Localized storm surge of 1-3 feet above ground is possible for Kauaʻi County, mainly Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. A high surf advisory for south and east shorelines remains in effect until Tuesday morning, with swells from Lowell and Tropical Storm Karina producing 12-14-foot waves that could be upgraded to a high surf warning Sunday night into Monday.

Authorities advise residents and visitors to monitor official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel. They also recommend confirming travel arrangements directly with service providers and signing up for county alerts by texting HAWAIIALERTS to 888777.