Category 3 Hurricane Lowell is churning toward Hawaii, prompting widespread panic buying and leaving store shelves empty and gas stations with long lines. Residents on Kauai and Oahu are scrambling to secure essentials as the storm approaches with sustained winds of 120 mph.
Lowell's outer rainbands have already begun to spread across Kauai and Oahu, islands home to over one million Americans. The hurricane's center was located approximately 415 miles southwest of Lihue and 445 miles southwest of Honolulu early Monday. A hurricane warning is in effect for Kauai County, including Kauai and Niihau, with hurricane conditions expected by Monday afternoon or evening.
Shoppers on Kauai have reported depleted supplies of necessities, with one Home Depot out of plywood and propane. Costco and gas stations have seen significant crowds. "I think it looks like everybody gathered those items already. Everybody is out," an Oahu resident visiting family on Kauai told local KITV.
Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency for Hawaii on Friday and activated the National Guard in anticipation of the storm's impact. "We are taking Hurricane Lowell extremely seriously and preparing now, before conditions deteriorate," Green stated. He urged residents, particularly in Kauai County, to complete preparations and heed official alerts.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for waters surrounding Kauai, with tropical storm conditions expected from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon. Mariners have been advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor.
Lowell is forecast to pass west of the main Hawaiian Islands Monday night and is expected to accelerate northward before turning northwest and slowing down early Wednesday. Despite forecasts of gradual weakening, Lowell is expected to remain a hurricane during its closest approach.
The storm carries the potential for significant rainfall, with up to 14 inches possible in some areas, leading to warnings of flash flooding, mudslides, and destructive waves. Several tornadoes are also possible, particularly near Kauai and Niihau, with a smaller threat extending across the island chain.
Forecasters also warned of a life-threatening storm surge, potentially raising water levels one to three feet above normal in parts of Kauai County and up to one foot on Oahu. Dangerous swells generated by the hurricane are expected to pound shores for several days, creating hazardous surf and rip currents.