- The latest forecast brings Lowell dangerously close to the western Hawaiian Islands.
- Kauaʻi County is under a Hurricane Warning as conditions deteriorate.
- Lowell’s outer bands could spin up severe weather across the region
HONOLULU — Hurricane Lowell is closing in on Hawaii, and residents across the islands are preparing for a potentially rare and dangerous storm event. The Category 2 hurricane is already bringing heavy moisture into the region, with downpours triggering flash flooding on Oahu. Powerful waves continue to crash along south-facing beaches and shorelines.
The storm’s projected path changed Monday, with Lowell now expected to move farther east than anticipated. That shift puts the storm closer to Niʻihau and Kauaʻi, increasing concerns for strong winds, flooding rainfall and dangerous ocean conditions.
Oahu is also under a Tropical Storm Warning as the system approaches. Even areas that avoid the strongest winds could still deal with periods of torrential rain, sudden flooding and hazardous surf.
Some of the hurricane’s outer bands could become capable of producing tornadoes that would likely be brief and localized. The flood threat remains high with some areas picking up 4-8″ and isolated areas up to a foot.
We are also watching Tropical Storm Marie and a disturbance that has a 60% chance of development in the Pacific.
