Hurricane Lowell prompts warning for Kauai and Niihau as it nears western Hawaii

The National Hurricane Center placed western Hawaii’s Kauai and Niihau counties under a hurricane warning as Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of about 115 mph, moved toward the islands early Monday. The advisory also covers portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a protected area spanning roughly 583,000 square miles and ten islands, which the storm is expected to traverse.

Forecast models show Lowell’s center passing just west of the main Hawaiian Islands Monday night before slowing down by early Wednesday. The center noted that the storm is likely to weaken gradually but will remain a hurricane while near the islands.

"Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches for Kauai, with maximum totals of 14 inches possible," the center said. "For the Big Island, 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected with isolated totals of 12 inches possible. For Oahu, 4 to 6 inches of rain is expected with isolated totals of 8 inches possible."

The agency warned that such rainfall could trigger significant flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island. Storm surge of up to three feet may affect Kauai County, and life-threatening surf and rip currents are anticipated across many islands. Additionally, the center indicated that several tornadoes could develop near Kauai and Niihau Monday afternoon through night, with a few possible across the rest of Hawaii.