Hurricane Lowell intensified into a powerful Category 3 system with 125 mph sustained winds as it began a northward turn in the Pacific. Located about 610 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, the storm threatens Kauaʻi County with tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding by Monday night, prompting state and county emergency declarations.
Major Hurricane Lowell has begun its anticipated northward arc across the open Pacific, steering toward the western Hawaiian Islands. State officials, emergency managers, and forecasters are tracking the system closely as its slow forward motion introduces uncertainty into its precise track and ultimate impact zone.
Emergency Proclamations and Federal Warnings Across the Islands
With potential severe weather impacts approaching, Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay prepared and monitor official forecasts. Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami also signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of severe weather as local agencies coordinated response efforts.
“Mahalo to our Kauaʻi Emergency Management team, our first responders, field crews and visitor industry partners for all the work they’re doing to prepare and keep Kauaʻi safe.”
Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami, via Kauai Now
Kawakami expressed gratitude for regional partnership, noting support from Gov. Green and neighboring mayors. The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Kauaʻi County, which encompasses Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, alongside a Hurricane Watch for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals.
Track, Intensity, and Meteorological Drivers of the Northward Turn
As of late Saturday, Lowell’s maximum sustained winds were recorded at 125 mph, making it a powerful Category 3 hurricane situated roughly 610 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe and moving northwest at 5 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 175 miles from the center.
Forecasters explain that the storm is turning more toward the north or north-northeast.
According to FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross, a direct impact on Kauaʻi still cannot be ruled out, although unlikely. Meteorologists warn that the system will pass 100 to 200 miles west of Niʻihau on Monday night, functioning similarly to a Kona Low if it maintains a farther offshore trajectory.
Rainfall Totals, Flash Flooding, and Coastal Surge Risks
A flood watch covers the entire state from Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon as outer rainbands begin lashing the islands. Kauaʻi and the Big Island face the heaviest precipitation threat.
Maui can expect 2 to 4 inches of rain with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches, while the remaining islands see general totals of 2 to 4 inches. These downpours carry a significant risk of flash flooding and mudslides, particularly across steep terrain.
Island Closures, Transportation, and Community Adjustments
Meanwhile, telecommunications provider Verizon reinforced its local network and waived domestic call, text, and data charges for Kauaʻi customers through September 14.
Next Milestones: Closest Approach and Post-Storm Transitions
Lowell is forecast to maintain major hurricane strength through Monday morning before encountering increased wind shear and drier air that will accelerate its weakening phase.
