Officials in Hawaii are advising residents and visitors to prepare for significant rainfall, flooding, and the possibility of mudslides as Hurricane Lowell approaches. A tropical storm warning was issued Sunday by the National Hurricane Center for the islands of Kauai and Niihau.
Forecasters anticipate Lowell, a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph), will pass to the west of the islands late Monday and Tuesday while moving north. Rainfall totals could range from 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) across the islands, with some areas possibly receiving up to 14 inches (36 centimeters). The Big Island of Hawaii is expected to receive 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain, potentially reaching 12 inches (30 centimeters) in some locations.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 50 miles (85 kilometers) from Lowell's center, while tropical storm-force winds reach up to 175 miles (280 kilometers). The storm was located approximately 575 miles (925 kilometers) south-southwest of Lihue, moving north-northwest at 5 mph (7 kph).
Beyond heavy rainfall, the storm surge combined with tides could lead to coastal flooding, with rising waters potentially reaching up to 3 feet (1 meter) in normally dry coastal areas on Kauai. The Kauai Emergency Management Agency has advised residents to stock up on essential supplies, including water and food, charge electronic devices, refill prescriptions, and fill gas tanks. The agency also cautioned that residents should be prepared to shelter in place for several days.
In Lihue, a town of 8,000 residents and home to Kauai's main airport, supermarket shelves were observed to be emptying as people purchased food and water. Local resident Lori Benkert, a real estate agent, prepared by purchasing extra propane for cooking and boarding up two houses on the island's western side, anticipating potential power outages and fallen trees.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Marie, a Category 1 storm, is forecast to cause dangerous surf conditions along the Southern California coast. Although no coastal watches or warnings are in effect, swells generated by Marie are expected to impact portions of southwest Mexico, the Baja California peninsula, and Southern California over the next few days, potentially creating life-threatening surf and rip currents.