Hawaii is expected to avoid a direct hit from Hurricane Lowell, but the powerful storm is still forecast to bring heavy rain, dangerous surf and the potential for tropical storm conditions to parts of the island chain as it passes nearby on Labor Day.
Forecasters expect Lowell to remain a major hurricane as it curves northward just west of the main Hawaiian Islands late Monday, Sept. 7. While the latest forecast keeps the center offshore, officials caution that even a small eastward shift in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai.
Hawaii residents should continue monitoring forecasts and any watches or warnings that may be issued as Lowell approaches the islands, the National Hurricane Center said.
Where is Hurricane Lowell?
The National
Hurricane Center said Lowell remained a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph in its latest advisory. The storm was moving west-northwest at 7 mph and is forecast to turn northwest before accelerating north and north-northeast Sunday and Monday.
The forecast track brings the center across portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument before passing just west of the main Hawaiian Islands Monday night. Although gradual weakening is expected, Lowell is forecast to remain near major hurricane strength during its closest approach to Hawaii.
What impacts could Hawaii see?
Heavy rainfall is expected across much of the state, with 3 to 6 inches forecast for Kauai and the Big Island and isolated totals exceeding 10 inches. Maui could receive 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts approaching 8 inches. Elsewhere, rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected.
The rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.
Tropical storm conditions are possible in Kauai County by late Monday or Monday night, while hurricane conditions are possible across eastern portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Coastal impacts are also expected. Storm surge could raise water levels 1 to 3 feet above normally dry ground in Kauai County and up to 1 foot on Oahu if the highest water coincides with high tide. Large, destructive waves and life-threatening rip currents are forecast across many Hawaiian shorelines during the next several days.
How should residents prepare?
Emergency officials recommend using the weekend to finish hurricane preparations before conditions begin to deteriorate.
The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service advise residents to know their evacuation zone, avoid driving through flooded roads and monitor official forecasts for updates. NOAA also recommends having an emergency kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and multiple ways to receive weather alerts in case power or cellular service is disrupted.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Lowell nears Hawaii. Latest forecast, storm impacts
