Hurricane Lowell, a powerful Category 3 storm, neared western Hawaii on Monday, bringing 115 mph winds. As a result, a hurricane warning was issued for Kauai and Niihau islands.
The National Hurricane Center’s warning also covers parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, spanning almost 583,000 square miles of ocean and 10 Hawaiian islands. Lowell’s path is expected to take it over portions of this national monument as it moves along the island chain.
The Miami-based center predicted Lowell would pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands by Monday night. It should slow by early Wednesday after moving past the islands.
“Gradual weakening is expected through Tuesday. However, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands,” noted the center.
Hurricane-force winds extended up to 60 miles from Lowell’s center. Additional rainfall of 6 to 10 inches is anticipated for Kauai, with maximum rainfall reaching 14 inches. The Big Island could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, potentially hitting isolated totals of 12 inches. Oahu faces 4 to 6 inches of rain, with possible isolated totals reaching 8 inches.
The National Hurricane Center emphasized the risk of “significant” flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Kauai County and parts of Hawaii’s Big Island. Kauai County might also experience a storm surge up to 3 feet, posing “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions” across Hawaiian islands.
Additionally, the center highlighted the potential for several tornadoes near Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon to Monday night. A few tornadoes could form across other parts of Hawaii.
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