Hawaii Weather Alert Today: Hawaii has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Lowell approaches the islands, with the first effects expected from Monday. Early Sunday, the powerful storm was a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of about 120-125 mph moving northwest at about 6 mph. Forecasters say Lowell should weaken as it nears Hawaii. The center is expected to be about 130 miles (210 km) west of Niihau or 170 miles (275 km) west of Kauai between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
Hawaii Weather Alert Today: What Weather Conditions Are Expected as Hurricane Lowell Nears Hawaii?
Residents and visitors are being warned to prepare for heavy rainfall, flooding, mudslides, high surf and dangerous coastal conditions. The National Hurricane Centre has issued a tropical storm warning for Kauai and Niihau, where tropical-storm-force winds and gusts above 39 mph are possible. Rainfall of 6–10 inches is forecast in some areas, with isolated totals reaching 14 inches, while parts of the Big Island could receive 4–8 inches and locally as much as 12 inches. Forecasters also warned that storm surge combined with high tides could push water up to 3 feet into normally dry coastal areas of Kauai.
Which Areas of Hawaii Could See the Biggest Impact?
Although Lowell’s projected path is expected to keep the storm’s strongest winds offshore, Kauai and Niihau remain under the most immediate threat, particularly from heavy rain, flooding and coastal hazards. The hurricane was located roughly 535 miles south-southwest of Lihue and 555 miles southwest of Honolulu, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 50 miles from its centre and tropical-storm-force winds reaching as far as 175 miles. Authorities are urging people in vulnerable areas to monitor official updates and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
Why Is Hawaii Facing Increased Storm Activity This Season?
Lowell is the latest in a series of storms to threaten Hawaii during an unusually active period in the central Pacific. Hurricanes Karina, Lowell and Marie were simultaneously active in the Pacific, an uncommon occurrence that had not been seen in the region for about a decade. Hawaii had also recently experienced impacts from Tropical Storm Moke and Hurricane Lala, with Governor Josh Green previously estimating that Lala caused at least $43 million in infrastructure damage and another $4.6 million in damage to homes on the Big Island.
Hawaii Weather Alert Today: What Is the Advisory for Locals?
According to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), residents should:
- Review their family emergency plans and complete hurricane preparations as soon as possible.
- Prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, high surf and flash flooding, particularly in vulnerable and steep areas.
- Be prepared for possible landslides and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain.
- Prepare for possible power outages and make sure essential supplies are available in case electricity is disrupted.
Stay away from dangerous coastal waters, as high surf, strong currents and storm surge could create life-threatening conditions. - Residents of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau should take particular precautions, as a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect and tropical-storm conditions are expected.
- Monitor official emergency alerts and weather updates because Lowell’s track and impacts can change. HIEMA recommends signing up for local emergency alerts.
- Follow any evacuation or emergency instructions issued by local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from official weather authorities and media reports at the time of publication. Hurricane conditions, forecasts, warnings and evacuation guidance can change rapidly. Readers should rely on the latest updates and instructions issued by official local authorities, the National Hurricane Centre, and Hawaii emergency management agencies.Â
