Category 3 Hurricane Lowell will bring high surf and possible rain with flooding to Big Island

Key Points:

• Category 3 Hurricane Lowell is moving northwest at 6 mph with sustained winds of 125 mph, currently 580 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, and is expected to pass 100 to 200 miles west of Niʻihau by Monday night.
• High surf advisories are in effect for south and east shorelines with waves up to 14 feet, expected to escalate to high surf warnings Sunday night into Monday; a statewide flood watch is also active due to heavy rainfall forecasts, particularly 6 to 10 inches on Kauaʻi County.
• Kauaʻi County faces potential impacts including high winds, heavy rain, storm surge of 1 to 3 feet, and possible tornadoes or waterspouts late Monday, with tropical storm watches and hurricane watches issued for affected areas.
• Residents and visitors are urged to prepare emergency supplies, secure belongings, avoid floodwaters, and monitor official updates closely; emergency alerts can be received by texting HAWAIIALERTS to 888777.
• Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense advises reviewing or creating preparedness plans immediately and offers assistance via phone or their website for those needing help.