Category 3 Hurricane Lowell approaches Hawaiian Islands with high surf, rain and flood risks
Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds, is expected to pass west of Niʻihau Monday night, bringing high surf, heavy rain and flood watches across the state.
Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 system with sustained winds of 125 mph, was located about 580 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe early Sunday and is moving northwest at roughly 6 mph. The storm’s eye is forecast to pass 100-200 miles west of Niʻihau on Monday night, keeping hurricane-force winds within a 50-mile radius and tropical-storm-force winds out to 175 miles.
A high-surf advisory for the south and east shorelines has been extended through Tuesday morning, with swells from Lowell and Tropical Storm Karina expected to reach 14 feet on eastern coasts and up to 12 feet on south-facing shores, rising to warning levels by Sunday night.
A statewide flood watch is in effect. Kauaʻi County could see 6-10 inches of rain, with isolated totals exceeding 14 inches; the Big Island is forecast for 2-6 inches, with possible peaks of 10 inches; Maui may receive 2-4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 8 inches. Heavy rainfall may trigger flash flooding and mudslides, especially on Kauaʻi and parts of the Big Island.
Kauaʻi County remains under a tropical-storm watch and a hurricane watch covers the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The National Weather Service estimates a 10-60 % chance of tropical-storm-force winds (39-73 mph) across the islands, with the earliest impacts after 8 a.m. Monday and the strongest winds expected Monday night.
Localized storm surge of 1-3 feet is possible for Kauaʻi County from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon, with higher surges and large waves near the storm’s right-hand side. Conditions late Monday may also support short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in rainbands near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, diminishing by Tuesday morning.
Officials advise residents and visitors to monitor official forecasts, secure outdoor items, charge devices, prepare emergency supplies and avoid non-essential travel. Flood-water safety warnings include not driving, walking or swimming through inundated areas. Emergency alerts can be received by texting HAWAIIALERTS to 888777, and the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense encourages preparedness planning.