Hurricane Lowell Approaches Hawaii with Powerful Winds

Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm, neared western Hawaii early Monday. The storm packed strong winds of 115 mph, prompting a hurricane warning for Kauai and Niihau islands. The National Hurricane Center issued the warning, affecting parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. This area spans almost 583,000 square miles of ocean and includes ten of Hawaii’s islands.

The hurricane center in Miami projected that Lowell’s center would move west of Hawaii’s main islands by Monday night, slowing down by early Wednesday after passing them. “Gradual weakening is expected through Tuesday. However, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands,” the center stated.

Hurricane-force winds spread up to 60 miles from Lowell’s center. “Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches for Kauai, with maximum totals of 14 inches possible,” the center said. For the Big Island, 4 to 8 inches of rain could fall, with isolated totals reaching 12 inches. Oahu might receive 4 to 6 inches of rain, with some areas experiencing up to 8 inches.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds remained at 115 mph, accompanied by stronger gusts early Monday. The heavy rainfall might lead to severe flash flooding and mudslides, especially in Kauai County and on Hawaii’s Big Island. Additionally, Lowell could cause a storm surge of up to 3 feet in Kauai County and create dangerous surf and rip currents across many Hawaiian islands.

The center warned of possible tornadoes near Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon through Monday night. There is also a chance of twisters elsewhere in Hawaii.