Hurricane Lowell expected to turn toward western Hawaiian islands
The Category 4 Hurricane Lowell is forecast to shift northward toward Kauai and possibly other islands, prompting emergency declarations and preparedness warnings in Hawaii.
The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Lowell, a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of about 140 mph, is projected to move west for roughly two days before making a sharp right-hand turn toward the western Hawaiian islands later this weekend. As of early September 3, the cyclone was located about 450 miles south-southwest of Hilo and was traveling west at 10 mph.
"While it is still too soon to determine the exact track of the hurricane, Lowell could bring storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts to portions of Hawaii early next week," the center warned in an advisory.
The agency emphasized that the storm will remain a major hurricane for the next five days and advised residents to finalize emergency plans and supply kits. It also cautioned that swells generated by Lowell could create hazardous surf and rip-current conditions across the islands beginning Friday and potentially intensifying early next week.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a statewide emergency on September 2, citing the recent activity of multiple Pacific storms and the lingering effects of Hurricane Lala. The declaration enables the mobilization of resources and staff to respond to any impacts.
Historical data show that the only two hurricanes to make direct landfall on the main Hawaiian islands in the modern record, including the 1992 Hurricane Iniki, also executed sharp right turns before striking. NOAA officials noted that a similar pattern could develop for Lowell.
The forecast cone now includes the western side of Kauai, and the small private island of Niihau, located about 17 miles southwest of Kauai, also falls within the possible impact area.
The Pacific hurricane season remains active under a strong El Niño, with several other storms such as Hurricanes Marie and Karina tracking in the basin, though neither poses an immediate land threat.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu added that confidence is growing for the potential of extra-large surf into the second week of September, and urged residents to monitor updates closely.