Hurricane Lowell expected to skirt Hawaii with heavy rain and surf hazards
The Category 4 Hurricane Lowell will pass west of the Hawaiian Islands on Monday, bringing heavy rainfall, surf threats and possible tropical-storm conditions, officials said.
Hawaii is likely to avoid a direct hit from Hurricane Lowell as the storm moves west-northwest and curves northward, but forecasters expect heavy rain and surf hazards to affect several islands on Labor Day. The National Hurricane Center said the hurricane, currently a Category 4 system with sustained winds of 145 mph, will pass just west of the main islands late Monday, with the center remaining offshore.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are forecast for Kauai and the Big Island, with isolated amounts exceeding 10 inches, while Maui could see 2 to 4 inches and other islands 1 to 2 inches. Officials warned that the precipitation could trigger flash flooding and mudslides in mountainous areas. Tropical-storm-force winds may affect Kauai County by late Monday, and hurricane-strength conditions could reach parts of the Papahanaumokuaēkea Marine National Monument.
Coastal impacts include a storm surge of up to 3 feet in Kauai County and about 1 foot on Oahu, especially if high tide coincides with the surge. Large waves and strong rip currents are expected along many shorelines over the next several days.
Emergency officials urged residents to complete hurricane preparations over the weekend, know their evacuation zones, avoid flooded roads and keep emergency supplies on hand. The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service advised monitoring official forecasts for updates.