Hurricane Lowell strengthens to Category 5 near Hawaii: Live tracker maps

Tracker maps show Hurricane Lowell’s path across the Pacific as forecasters monitor the powerful storm.

Meteorologists have warned that the system is expected to be near major hurricane strength when it moves near the western Hawaiian Islands late Monday, bringing the threat of storm surge and wind impacts for portions of the state.

In an advisory issued 5 p.m. Friday HST, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Lowell had regained Category 5 strength—the highest rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale—and was located around 600 miles south-southwest of Honolulu. The agency reported maximum sustained winds near 160 miles per hour.

The NHC said additional strengthening is possible this weekend, with a gradual weakening trend expected by early next week. The system was moving west at around 7 mph, with forecasters expecting that motion to continue for the next day or so before a sharp turn to the north or north-northeast on Sunday.

“Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Lowell,” the NHC said. “Watches could be required for portions of the westernmost Hawaiian Islands on Saturday.”

This is a developing story. More to follow.