Hurricane Lowell was closing in on western Hawaii on Monday as a powerful Category 3 storm, prompting a hurricane warning for Kauai County and Niihau.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 115mph, with stronger gusts, as it moved north-north-east across the Pacific. The National Hurricane Center said Lowell was expected to pass west of the main Hawaiian islands on Monday night, remaining a hurricane as it approached the archipelago.
Its closest approach was forecast at between 100 and 200 miles west of Niihau, the westernmost inhabited island in Hawaii. Winds were expected to strengthen across Kauai and Niihau during Monday afternoon, with gusts of 60mph or more possible in exposed and elevated areas.
Hurricane Lowell threatens heavy rain and flooding
Forecasters warned that Lowell’s broad circulation would draw a large area of tropical moisture over the islands, bringing intense showers and squally rain bands.
Kauai could receive a further 6 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated totals of up to 14 inches, while the Big Island was forecast to see 4 to 8 inches. Oahu could receive 4 to 6 inches, with higher local totals possible.
The rainfall could trigger significant flash flooding, mudslides and dangerous runoff, particularly across Kauai County and the mountainous areas of the Big Island. More than a foot of rain was considered possible in parts of Kauai’s interior mountains.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said heavy surf would build rapidly along south- and west-facing shores. Waves of 20 to 30 feet and coastal inundation of up to 3 feet were possible on exposed parts of Kauai and Niihau, alongside life-threatening rip currents.
Several tornadoes or fast-moving waterspouts could also form in Lowell’s rain bands near Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon into the night, with a smaller risk across the other main Hawaiian islands.
Lowell was expected to weaken gradually through Tuesday, although forecasters said it would remain a hurricane while passing near Hawaii. The storm is forecast to slow after moving past the island chain by early Wednesday.
Authorities urged residents to complete preparations before the strongest winds arrive, keep mobile phones charged and follow instructions from local officials. Kauai’s emergency management agency advised households to secure supplies, refill prescriptions and be ready to remain indoors for several days.
