Hurricane Lowell Strengthens to Category 3 as It Approaches Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell intensified to a Category 3 system with sustained winds of 125 mph and began turning northward early Sunday, moving northwest at about 5 mph. The storm was located roughly 610 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe when the latest Central Pacific Hurricane Center advisory was issued.

The eye of Lowell is forecast to come within 100-200 miles west of Niʻihau on Monday night. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Kauaʻi County, which includes Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, while a hurricane watch covers the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals. The National Weather Service indicated a 10-60 % chance of tropical-storm-force winds (39-73 mph) for Kauaʻi County, with the earliest possible onset after 8 a.m. Monday.

A statewide flood watch is active, with rainfall forecasts of 4-8 inches for Kauaʻi County and up to 12 inches in isolated spots. The Big Island could see 2-6 inches, with local maxima of 10 inches; Maui is expected to receive 2-4 inches, with isolated totals of 8 inches. Heavy rain may trigger flash flooding, mudslides, and localized storm surge of 1-3 feet, especially on Kauaʻi and vulnerable areas of the Big Island.

High surf advisories have been extended through Tuesday morning, with swells from Lowell and Tropical Storm Karina producing waves up to 14 feet on eastern and southern shores and up to 10 feet on western shores. The advisory may be upgraded to a high surf warning Sunday night into Monday as conditions worsen.

The rainbands are also expected to generate brief waterspouts and tornadoes, primarily near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, from Monday into Monday night, with the threat diminishing by Tuesday morning.

Officials urged residents to monitor official forecasts, secure outdoor items, prepare emergency supplies, avoid travel in hazardous conditions, and stay informed through National Weather Service updates and local emergency alerts.