Hurricane Lowell turns toward Hawaii as state prepares for impacts
Hawaii declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm, is expected to pass west of the islands, bringing strong surf, heavy rain and flash-flood risks.
Hawaii officials declared a statewide emergency on Thursday as Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 cyclone with sustained winds of about 125 mph, began moving northwest at roughly 6 mph. The storm is forecast to swing northward and pass within about 130 miles west of Niihau and 170 miles west of Kauai late Monday into Tuesday, keeping its strongest winds offshore but still generating hazardous conditions.
The National Hurricane Center expects Lowell to be near Category 2 strength at its closest approach. Tropical storm watches were issued for Kauai and Niihau, indicating that winds above 39 mph could affect the islands within 48 hours. A high surf advisory is in effect for south-facing shores, with waves potentially reaching 14 feet.
Rainfall forecasts call for 4 to 6 inches on Kauai, Niihau and the Big Island, with isolated totals up to 10 inches, while Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Maui could see 2 to 4 inches, rising to 8 inches in mountainous areas. The National Hurricane Center warned of significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.
Governor Josh Green activated the Hawaii National Guard and deployed six high-water vehicles to Kauai. The storm’s turn is linked to a weakening high-pressure ridge and an incoming cold-air trough, a pattern similar to the 1992 Hurricane Iniki, though forecasts show Lowell will remain offshore.
Meteorologists note that an ongoing El Niño event is boosting storm potential in the central Pacific, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projecting an above-average season of five to 13 cyclones.