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Hurricane Lowell forecast to menace Hawaii. Live updates
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Hurricane Lowell has intensified to a Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds and is forecast to reach Category 5 intensity, potentially threatening the western Hawaiian Islands near Labor Day with a sharp northward turn.
- The hurricane is expected to pass within 200 miles west of Kauai by Sept. 7-8, posing risks of storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall, especially for Kauai County, though exact track and intensity remain uncertain.
- Meteorologists are monitoring an unusual upper-level trough that may steer Lowell northward and influence its strength, with concerns it could bring damaging winds similar to Hurricane Iniki, which devastated Hawaii in 1992.
- Life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected across the Hawaiian Islands due to swells from Lowell and Hurricane Karina, and residents are urged to prepare hurricane plans, emergency kits, and stay updated on forecasts.
- Wind probabilities for tropical storm-force conditions have decreased slightly with westward track shifts, with the highest risk near Niihau (30%) and Kauai's west coast (20%), while Honolulu faces a lower risk (3%).
