Hurricane Lowell makes final turn toward Hawaii as islands brace for impacts

Key Points:

• Hawaii is under a state of emergency as Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds, approaches the state, marking the third storm in just over three weeks fueled by an active El Niño season.
• Lowell is expected to pass about 130 miles west of Niihau and 170 miles west of Kauai, likely weakening to Category 2 strength, keeping the strongest winds offshore but still bringing dangerous surf and heavy rain.
• The storm’s path shifted due to weakening high pressure and an incoming cold air trough, causing Lowell to turn north and approach Hawaii’s western islands, reminiscent of Hurricane Iniki in 1992 but without a direct hit.
• Tropical storm watches are in effect for Kauai and Niihau, with hazardous surf already impacting the state, including waves up to 14 feet, and rainfall forecasts of 4 to 6 inches with isolated totals up to 10 inches, raising risks of flash flooding and mudslides.
• El Niño conditions and climate change are contributing to a more active central Pacific hurricane season, with NOAA predicting five to 13 cyclones this year, intensifying storm potential for Hawaii.