Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm in the Pacific Ocean, is approaching the Hawaiian islands, with forecasters warning of potential tornadoes on Kauai and Niihau. The United States National Hurricane Center issued emergency hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the islands, advising residents and visitors to prepare for severe windstorms and possible mudslides starting Monday night local time. The storm is expected to track just west of Hawaii's northwestern islands, including Niihau and Kauai, as well as parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Kauai's Mayor Derek Kawakami has issued an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the hurricane. The island could experience coastal flooding of up to 1 meter (3 feet) due to storm surges and high tides. The storm is moving north at 9 km/h (6 mph) and has been fluctuating between Category 3 and Category 5 intensity. It first reached Category 5 status at 257 km/h (160 mph) on Wednesday, becoming the second Category 5 hurricane of the season.
Forecasters predict rainfall totals between 150mm and 250mm (6 to 10 inches), with maximum amounts potentially reaching 360mm (14 inches). As of now, Lowell has maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) and is located approximately 895 km (about 555 miles) southwest of Honolulu.
Local officials have urged residents to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds that could lead to flash flooding and mudslides. The National Weather Service has indicated that tornadoes may occur in rain bands away from the storm's center. The Big Island is expected to receive 100mm to 200mm (4 to 8 inches) of rain, with localized peaks of up to 305mm (12 inches).
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 85 km (50 miles) from the center, while tropical storm-force winds reach up to 280 km (175 miles). Kauai’s Emergency Management Agency has advised residents to fill gas tanks, charge devices, refill prescriptions, and store food and water in preparation for the storm, suggesting they may need to remain at home for several days.
Swells generated by Lowell are expected to create dangerous surf and rip current conditions, prompting the Kauai County government to advise visitors to avoid the ocean and shoreline. Panic-buying has been reported in Lihue, with residents stocking up on supplies. Real estate agent Lori Benkert mentioned purchasing extra propane for cooking in case of power outages and boarding up properties.
Additionally, Category 1 Hurricane Marie is located 1,120 km (695 miles) south-southwest of San Diego, California, bringing dangerous surf to the area and Mexico’s Baja coast. Marie has sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph) and is tracking northwest at 11 km/h (7 mph). The islands of Hawaii experience an average of one tornado per year, with only 42 tornadoes reported from 1950 to 2018, according to meteorologist Stephen Parker.