Major Hurricane Lowell has begun its northward turn, positioning itself to threaten the western Hawaiian Islands. According to the 5 a.m. Sunday advisory from Bigislandnow, the storm was located 580 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The system was moving toward the north-northwest at 6 mph.
Hurricane Lowell Intensifies to Category 3 as It Approaches Hawaii
Meteorologists report that hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center, while tropical storm-force winds reach up to 175 miles. The eye of the hurricane is forecast to make its closest approach to the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday night, passing 100 to 200 miles west of Niʻihau as a powerful storm.
Wind, Flood, and Tornado Warnings Issued for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau
Authorities have upgraded watches to a Tropical Storm Warning for Kauaʻi East, Kauaʻi Mountains, Kauaʻi North, Kauaʻi South, Kauaʻi Southwest, and Niʻihau. Sustained tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or higher are expected to arrive by Monday afternoon, with preparations urged for completion before midday Monday as winds peak Monday night. Terrain-accelerated gusts over Kauaʻi and Niʻihau could reach 60 mph or higher.
A statewide flood watch is in effect. Kauaʻi County faces peak rainfall amounts expected between 6 and 10 inches, with maximum totals potentially exceeding 14 inches in some locations. The Big Island is forecast to receive 2 to 6 inches of rain with isolated totals up to 10 inches, Maui is expected to see 2 to 4 inches with isolated maximums of 8 inches, and the rest of the main islands will experience 2 to 4 inches. Forecasters warn that this rainfall could trigger significant flash flooding and mudslides. Additionally, conditions will become favorable late Monday for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, a threat that will persist into Monday night before diminishing quickly Tuesday morning.
Life-Threatening Surf and Coastal Inundation Expected
Ocean swells generated by Hurricane Lowell and Tropical Storm Karina are impacting local shorelines. A high surf advisory has been extended until Tuesday morning, bringing surf up to 14 feet along eastern shorelines and up to 12 feet along south-facing shores, with heights increasing further by Sunday night. The advisory is slated to be upgraded to a high surf warning Sunday night into Monday for affected south-facing shores.
On exposed south- and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, highest surf heights may reach 20 to 30 feet on Monday and Monday night, accompanied by 1 to 3 feet of coastal inundation before diminishing on Tuesday. A hurricane watch also remains in effect for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals.
Forecast Track and Expected Weakening Trend
While Lowell is maintaining major hurricane strength, it is expected to gradually weaken Sunday and Monday due to minor short-term fluctuations followed by a more hostile environment featuring increasing vertical wind shear and drier mid-level air by Monday night and Tuesday. As the storm accelerates toward the north-northeast, residents and businesses across the affected counties are encouraged by Bigislandnow and local civil defense agencies to review preparedness plans and stay vigilant.
