Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii With Flooding, High Surf and Damaging Winds

Hurricane Lowell was about 485 miles south-southwest of Lihue, Hawaii, as of 8 p.m. HST Sunday, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and movement toward the north-northeast at 9 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The Category 3 hurricane was forecast to pass west of the Hawaiian Islands while bringing the potential for heavy rain, flooding, dangerous surf and strong winds.

Lowell was forecast to continue as a hurricane as it moved toward the western Hawaiian Islands, the National Hurricane Center said. Kauai and Niihau were considered to be at the highest risk, but high surf and heavy rain have the potential to impact other parts of the state.

Kauai Braces for Heavy Rain and Winds

Lowell passed through a rapid intensification phase early in the week and peaked as a Category 5 system before weakening. As the storm continued on a northward trajectory toward Hawaii, the center was forecast to be west of Kauai, still a major hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center cautioned of heavy rainfall that would cause flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain. Lowell was also capable of producing swells that would make for life-threatening surf and rip current situations throughout portions of the Hawaiian Islands.

The National Weather Service reported that Monday night, Lowell would move west through Kauai’s coastal waters, bringing heavy rain and high surf to all islands.

Hawaii Declares State of Emergency

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green issued a statewide emergency proclamation as the state prepared for potential impacts from Lowell. The proclamation authorized emergency measures and allowed state agencies and the Hawaii National Guard to prepare for possible response operations.

Green’s office said state and county agencies were activating emergency protocols, positioning personnel and equipment, securing harbors and monitoring dams and other critical infrastructure.

“We are taking Hurricane Lowell extremely seriously and preparing now, before conditions deteriorate,” Gov. Green said. “State, county and federal partners are coordinating closely and positioning personnel, equipment and other resources where they may be needed. I urge everyone, especially those in Kauaʻi County, to complete their preparations, follow official alerts and stay away from floodwaters, dangerous surf and other hazardous areas.”

The governor’s office said preparations also included lowering reservoir levels, clearing waterways, securing state facilities and coordinating with utilities and fuel providers.

Officials Urge Residents to Complete Storm Preparations

Emergency officials have advised citizens to check official forecasts, make sure loose outdoor furniture is in place, stock up on emergency supplies and keep an eye out for power outages.

Residents have also been warned not to drive, walk or swim in floodwaters and to obey orders to evacuate if issued by local authorities. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HEMA) continues to be the primary emergency planning and response agency in the State of Hawaii.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also issued a warning to residents. “This is an extremely powerful hurricane, and we are watching it very closely,” Blangiardi said. “I’m asking everyone on Oahu to stay vigilant, follow the forecast and make sure you and your family are prepared. Don’t wait until the weekend.”

Officials Urge Residents to Complete Storm Preparations

Lowell formed amid an unusually active period in the Pacific, with three hurricanes, Lowell, Karina and Marie, simultaneously active earlier in the week. The National Hurricane Center said Karina had since become post-tropical, while Tropical Storm Marie remained active in the eastern Pacific.

Weather.com reported that Lowell could become the third storm to affect parts of Hawaii this season, following Tropical Cyclone Lala and Moke. The storm activity has occurred during an El Niño pattern associated with increased tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.

Lowell Expected to Pass West of Hawaii

Lowell was forecast to slowly weaken as it approached the Hawaiian Islands, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Its forecast track placed the storm west of the main islands, but officials continued to warn that changes in the storm’s track or intensity could alter local impacts.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay tuned for updates from the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and local county emergency-management officials as Lowell nears.