LIHUE — Officials across the state urged residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rains, flooding and possible mudslides as Hurricane Lowell, a major Category 3 storm, moved northward toward the Hawaiian Islands.
Warnings and watches in effect
The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for Kauai and Niihau and a hurricane watch as Lowell was forecast to pass to the west of the islands late Monday. At the time of the advisory, Lowell had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and was located roughly 535 miles south-southwest of Lihue, moving north at about 6 mph.
The hurricane center said hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 50 miles from the storm's center and tropical-storm-force winds reached as far as 175 miles. Forecasters warned of significant rainfall that could result in flash flooding and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
Rain, surge and likely impacts
Forecasters estimated rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches for much of Kauai, with maximum amounts possibly reaching 14 inches in places. The Big Island was forecast to receive 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals up to 12 inches. The National Hurricane Center also cautioned that a combination of storm surge and tides could inundate normally dry coastal areas on Kauai by as much as 3 feet.
Officials warned that the heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and mudslides — hazards of particular concern in steep or recently burned landscapes where soil stability is diminished.
| Island | Forecast rainfall | Noted hazards |
|---|---|---|
| Kauai | 6–10 in. (up to 14 in.) | Flooding, mudslides, storm surge up to 3 ft |
| Big Island | 4–8 in. (up to 12 in.) | Flash flooding, mudslides |
Local preparations and community response
In Lihue, the county seat and the island’s primary air gateway, residents stocked up on supplies as supermarket shelves emptied. Kauai Emergency Management urged people to fill gas tanks, charge devices, refill prescriptions and store sufficient food and water. The agency also advised that residents should be ready to remain at home for several days if conditions warrant.
“We’ll lose some power, probably have some trees, a bunch of tree limbs coming down,”
The quote above reflects the expectations of a local property manager who has also taken steps such as boarding windows and securing propane for outdoor cooking should electricity be lost.
- Fill vehicle and portable gas tanks and ensure you have alternate cooking fuel.
- Charge phones and critical electronics and have backup power where possible.
- Refill necessary prescriptions and assemble at least several days of food and water.
What to expect and where to find updates
Lowell was forecast to pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands and to slow after passing, with gradual weakening expected through Tuesday. Forecasters said the storm could remain a hurricane as it moves near the islands. Residents should monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and county emergency management offices for changes to watches and warnings.
State and county authorities typically provide guidance on evacuation routes, shelter locations and road closures as conditions evolve. Given the projected rainfall amounts and potential for storm surge on Kauai, coastal and low-lying communities should be particularly vigilant.
Utility outages are common in storms of this intensity. Residents were advised to prepare for service interruptions and to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Heavy surf and dangerous rip currents were also expected along exposed shorelines as Lowell neared the islands.
As the region prepares, emergency management officials reiterated the importance of following official guidance, avoiding unnecessary travel during the storm’s passage and checking on neighbors who may need assistance getting supplies or securing homes.
Further advisories and detailed forecasts will be posted as Lowell’s track updates. Residents and visitors should keep tuned to local media, county emergency channels and the National Hurricane Center for the latest information.
