Hurricane Lowell remained a powerful Category 4 storm early Saturday, packing winds of up to 150 mph as Hawaii prepared for potentially dangerous impacts. Forecasters warned that the storm could fluctuate between Category 4 and Category 5 strength before gradually weakening early next week.
Hurricane Lowell Could Bring Major Impacts to Hawaii
According to the National Hurricane Center, some additional intensification of Hurricane Lowell is possible over the next day or so before the storm begins a gradual weakening trend.
Lowell is currently tracking westward more than 600 miles south of Hawaii but is expected to make a sharp turn north this weekend. The storm is forecast to remain near Category 4 strength as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands.
The exact severity of the impacts will depend largely on how close Lowell passes to Hawaii’s westernmost islands, particularly Niihau and Kauai.
Forecasters caution that even a relatively small shift in the storm’s projected path could significantly change the threat to the islands.
Small Track Shift Could Increase Hurricane Threat
A shift of less than 100 miles eastward from the current forecast track could bring Lowell considerably closer to Hawaii, potentially producing more direct impacts from a major hurricane.
Even if the storm remains farther offshore, residents could still face dangerously rough seas, coastal flooding and strong rip currents, particularly along western-facing shores.
The National Hurricane Center’s forecast places Lowell’s center approximately 150 miles west of Niihau and 190 miles west of Kauai later Tuesday morning. However, forecasters say confidence in the precise track remains lower than usual because the storm has not yet completed its expected turn.
Computer forecast models continue to show a wide range of possible outcomes, from a potentially devastating landfall on Kauai or Oahu to a track more than 400 miles west of Niihau that would produce substantially weaker impacts.
Hawaii Declares State of Emergency
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency for the entire state on Thursday, allowing officials to mobilize state resources and activate Hawaii National Guard units.
Six high-water vehicles are also being deployed to Kauai as officials prepare for possible flooding.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has urged residents to prepare for potential power outages, while Kauai’s water department warned that water service could be disrupted and advised residents to store water.
Officials are encouraging households to maintain up to 14 days of emergency supplies as Hawaii faces another significant tropical threat.
Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Kauai
A tropical storm watch went into effect in Kauai County late Saturday as officials warned of life-threatening surf and dangerous currents.
The county has begun clearing drainage systems and positioning emergency equipment in flood-prone areas. Some locations could receive more than 10 inches of rain during the beginning of the week.
Potential refuge areas have also been identified in partnership with the American Red Cross. However, emergency officials emphasized that these shelters are intended as evacuation locations of last resort.
Residents whose homes are structurally sound and located outside areas vulnerable to flooding and storm surge may be safer sheltering in place, officials said.
Several state parks on Kauai have also closed camping areas ahead of the storm.
Hawaii Still Recovering From Hurricane Lala
The threat from Lowell comes only weeks after Hurricane Lala caused significant flooding on Hawaii’s Big Island.
In August, Hurricane Lala brought torrential rainfall and severe flooding to eastern Hawaii. Tropical Storm Moke followed later in the month, delivering additional rain but causing less severe impacts.
The succession of storms has increased concerns among residents and emergency officials as Hawaii enters another potentially active period of tropical weather.
“This is a serious storm season,” Gov. Green said, warning that additional threatening tropical systems could affect the state in the coming weeks.
Hurricane Lowell’s Track Remains Uncertain
One reason Lowell’s forecast remains difficult is an area of low pressure high in the atmosphere north of Hawaii.
That system is expected to interact with Lowell and help pull the hurricane northward. The timing and strength of that interaction will determine how sharply the storm turns and how close it ultimately comes to the Hawaiian Islands.
The situation has drawn comparisons with Hurricane Iniki, which struck Kauai as a Category 4 hurricane in 1992 and remains one of the most destructive hurricanes in Hawaii’s history.
Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami urged residents to remain vigilant, prepare carefully and check on neighbors as the storm approaches.
Residents Urged to Prepare
For now, officials are emphasizing preparedness rather than predicting a specific outcome.
Residents across Hawaii are being urged to monitor official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, secure property where necessary and be ready to respond if evacuation orders are issued.
The greatest immediate concerns include hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, dangerous surf, rip currents and potential power and water disruptions.
As Lowell completes its expected turn this weekend, forecasters expect to gain greater confidence about the storm’s eventual path.
Until then, officials are warning residents—particularly those on Kauai and other western islands—not to underestimate the potential threat.