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Hurricane Lowell, a powerful Category 4 storm with winds reaching 140 mph, is now on a trajectory that could bring it close to Hawaii early next week. The National Hurricane Center has included parts of Hawaii in the prediction cone for Lowell, warning that the hurricane could still be a major threat as it approaches. As of Thursday (September 3), the storm was about 450 miles south-southwest of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 10 mph.
The hurricane is expected to maintain its strength over the next few days, with a forecasted sharp right turn toward the north over the weekend. While the exact path remains uncertain, there is potential for Lowell to bring significant storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts to Hawaii. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has advised residents to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday (September 2) in response to the active storm season exacerbated by El Niño conditions. The state is still recovering from Hurricane Lala, which caused significant damage in August. The emergency declaration allows for the mobilization of resources to prepare for potential impacts.
Swells from Lowell are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the Hawaiian Islands in the coming days. The island of Kauai, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, is currently within Lowell's forecast cone. The "forbidden island" of Niihau, located southwest of Kauai, could also be affected.
The Pacific hurricane season has been notably active, with 15 tropical depressions and storms, including five hurricanes, reported so far. In addition to Lowell, Hurricanes Marie and Karina are also present in the Pacific, though neither poses a direct threat to land.