Hurricane Lowell Approaches Hawaii with Category 3 Strength

Hurricane Lowell, classified as a Category 3 storm, is nearing western Hawaii. The storm carries strong winds of 115 mph, prompting a hurricane warning for Kauai and Niihau islands. This warning, issued by the National Hurricane Center, also affects sections of the expansive Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which spans nearly 583,000 square miles of ocean and includes ten islands of Hawaii.

The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, projects that Lowell’s center will travel just west of the main Hawaiian Islands by Monday night. The storm is anticipated to slow down early Wednesday after passing the islands. According to forecasts, Lowell will gradually lose strength by Tuesday but will still remain a hurricane near the Hawaiian Islands.

Hurricane-force winds from Lowell extend up to 60 miles from its center. The hurricane is likely to bring additional rainfall of 6 to 10 inches in Kauai, with some areas seeing up to 14 inches. The Big Island is forecasted to receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated spots potentially getting up to 12 inches. Oahu can expect 4 to 6 inches of rain, with some areas possibly reaching 8 inches.

These rainfall amounts may lead to significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially in Kauai County and parts of Hawaii’s Big Island. The center noted that Lowell might generate a storm surge up to 3 feet in Kauai County. This surge can bring life-threatening rip currents and surf conditions across several Hawaiian islands.

The storm’s impact may also include several tornadoes, particularly near Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon through the night. There is a possibility of a few tornadoes across the rest of Hawaii.