Hurricane Lowell, a powerful storm in the Pacific, is expected to bring dangerous conditions to the Hawaiian Islands, even though its forecast track suggests it will pass just west of the main archipelago. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of life-threatening surf, heavy rainfall, and potential mudslides, particularly for the island of Kauai.
Storm Status and Forecast Track
As of Saturday, Lowell was a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 145 mph, located about 640 miles south-southwest of Honolulu. The storm was moving west-northwest at 7 mph. Earlier, Lowell had reached Category 5 strength, with winds exceeding 157 mph, before weakening slightly. The NHC’s forecast cone shows the hurricane passing just west of the islands from south to north by Monday night.
While the center of the storm is expected to remain offshore, officials emphasize that the islands are not out of danger. John Bravender, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service, noted, “Just because we’re on the edge of the cone doesn’t mean we’re safe.”
Impacts on Hawaiian Islands
The primary threats from Lowell include:
- Life-threatening surf along exposed coastlines, especially on the western and northern shores of the islands.
- Heavy rainfall, with forecasts of up to 10 inches on Kauai and 8 inches on Maui, leading to flash flooding and mudslides.
- Strong winds that could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Governor Josh Green has urged residents, especially those in Kauai County, to take the storm seriously and complete preparations. “We are taking Hurricane Lowell extremely seriously and preparing now, before conditions deteriorate,” he said in a statement. “I urge everyone, especially those in Kauaʻi County, to complete their preparations, follow official alerts and stay away from floodwaters, dangerous surf and other hazardous areas.”
The governor’s office has reported that the state is securing harbors, deploying emergency personnel to strategic locations, and monitoring dams for potential breaches or overflows.
Other Storms in the Pacific
Lowell is not alone in the Pacific. Hurricane Karina, a former Category 4 storm, is spinning about 755 miles east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and Tropical Storm Marie is churning about 705 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California. Marie could generate high surf for Southern California over the holiday weekend, according to NHC meteorologists.
Active Hurricane Season
The Northeast Pacific hurricane season has been notably active, with 15 named storms so far, according to Colorado State University. Experts attribute this to unusually warm ocean waters and the presence of El Niño, which can intensify tropical cyclones. Daniel Gilford, a meteorologist at Climate Central, explained that warm sea surface temperatures provide extra fuel for storms, allowing them to become more intense.
The phenomenon of El Niño is also being influenced by global warming, as noted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who said that El Niño is “being supersized before our eyes.” He called for urgent action to address climate change.
Residents and visitors in Hawaii should monitor local alerts and follow guidance from officials as Hurricane Lowell approaches.