Hurricane Warning Issued for Western Hawaii as Lowell Approaches

A hurricane warning was issued late Sunday for western Hawaii’s Kauai County as Hurricane Lowell, now classified as a major Category 3 storm, closes in with sustained winds of 115 mph. The warning covers the islands of Kauai and Niihau, as well as portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which spans approximately 583,000 square miles and includes ten Hawaiian islands.

According to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center, Lowell is projected to pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands by Monday night before decelerating early Wednesday. Forecast models indicate the system will gradually weaken through Tuesday but is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it nears the archipelago.

Authorities warn that hurricane-force winds may extend up to 60 miles from the storm’s center. Heavy rainfall is anticipated across the region, with Kauai expecting between 6 and 10 inches and isolated totals reaching 14 inches. The Big Island is forecast to receive 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches possible, while Oahu could see 4 to 6 inches with isolated peaks of 8 inches.

The combination of intense rain and steep terrain raises concerns for significant flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island. Additionally, a storm surge of up to three feet could impact Kauai County, and life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are likely across many islands.

The hurricane center also cautioned that several tornadoes could develop near Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon through Monday night, with a few additional twisters possible elsewhere in Hawaii.