Hurricane Lowell has intensified into a Category 4 storm as it traverses the Pacific Ocean, with current forecasts indicating a sharp northward turn on Sunday that could bring hazardous conditions to the western Hawaiian Islands.
Forecast models project that Lowell will bring damaging winds, dangerous surf, and flooding to the region. While projections vary on the storm's exact proximity, the latest data suggests its center will remain offshore, west of Kauai. This track, if maintained, could mean the island and the rest of Hawaii may avoid the most severe impacts.
The storm is expected to be closest to the islands on Monday. The National Hurricane Center indicated that watches for parts of Hawaii would likely be issued on Saturday.
Lowell is anticipated to bring rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches to Kauai and the Big Island, with isolated areas potentially exceeding 10 inches. Maui could experience 2 to 4 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 8 inches. These rainfall amounts raise concerns about flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous terrains.
This hurricane is notable as the eighth to reach Category 5 status in the central Pacific and the first since Hurricane Walaka in 2018. Lowell rapidly intensified from a 70 mph tropical storm to a 160 mph Category 5 hurricane in just 36 hours, one of the quickest intensification periods on record, before being downgraded. There is a possibility it could reach Category 5 status again.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Karina weakened to a 90 mph storm on Friday morning and is expected to fall below hurricane strength on Saturday. Hurricane Marie strengthened slightly to 100 mph winds on Friday morning, located well offshore of Baja California, but is forecast to weaken on Saturday. Marie is expected to move further away from land but could still generate dangerous surf and rip currents along the California coast over the Labor Day weekend.
In response to the potential threat, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation for the state. "This proclamation gives our agencies and counties the flexibility to move people, equipment and resources quickly so we can protect communities across every island," Green stated. "We encourage everyone to remain prepared and continue following official weather updates."