Hawaii placed under hurricane watch as Lowell approaches

The National Weather Service announced a hurricane watch for Kauai County on Sunday evening after Hurricane Lowell’s projected track shifted eastward, bringing the storm within about 100 miles of the islands. The agency warned of tropical-storm-level impacts with the possibility of localized hurricane-strength conditions if the storm moves farther east.

A flood watch now covers all of the Hawaiian islands through Tuesday afternoon, with the greatest rainfall expected on Kauai—6 to 10 inches, and isolated amounts up to 14 inches. The Big Island could see 4 to 8 inches, Maui 2 to 4 inches, and the remaining islands a similar range. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash flooding and mudslides, especially on Kauai and parts of the Big Island.

High surf warnings are in effect through Monday night. Waves could reach up to 30 feet on Kauai’s south-facing shores and 20 feet on its east side, while Oahu may experience surf up to 20 feet on the south and 15 feet on the east. The surge could flood normally dry coastal areas with up to three feet of water on Kauai and about one foot on Oahu, potentially affecting roads, beaches and harbor facilities.

Wind forecasts show a 40-60% chance of sustained tropical-storm-force winds on Kauai, with less than a 5% chance of hurricane-force sustained winds. The strongest gusts are expected Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, particularly on northern and western mountain slopes where terrain can accelerate airflow.

Meteorologists also noted that short-lived tornadoes or waterspouts could develop near Kauai as feeder bands of thunderstorms rotate around the storm’s center. Such phenomena are not expected for Oahu, Maui or the Big Island.

Residents are advised to monitor updates, prepare for possible evacuations, and secure property against wind, surf and flood hazards.