UPDATE, SEP. 4, 5:30 A.M.: "Lowell could be near major hurricane strength when it moves close to the western Hawaiian Islands late Monday and Monday night," according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. "Regardless of the hurricane's exact track and intensity, there is a risk of storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts for portions of Hawaii, particularly Kaua‘i County, early next week."
Residents are advised to "closely monitor the progress of Lowell through the upcoming Labor Day weekend, listen to the advice of local officials, and ensure they have their hurricane plan and supply kit in place. Watches are likely to be issued for a portion of the state on Saturday. Swells from Lowell are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in portions of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days. These swells are likely to increase early next week."
ORIGINAL STORY: Residents are urged to make storm preparations as Hurricane Lowell is expected to veer toward the state over the weekend.
The National Weather Service’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Lowell, which is currently passing south of Hawai‘i, will abruptly turn north around Saturday and begin passing closely west of the state as a major hurricane by Monday, with Kaua‘i particularly close to the hurricane’s path.
Consequently, people are advised once again to secure their properties in advance of the storm and to ensure they have 14 days worth of supplies — food, water, pet food, medical supplies, batteries, etc. — ready for each member of their households.
The National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. bulletin says Lowell will likely bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to the state over the next several days. The storm is currently a Category 4 storm — with wind speeds between 130 and 156 miles per hour — and is only anticipated to weaken to a Category 3 hurricane, with winds between 111-129 mph — by the time it makes its closest approach to Kaua‘i, according to the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency.
KEMA warns that coastal flooding is possible along the island's south- and west-facing shores, and that people should stay well away from the shorelines on Monday, when the most significant surf is expected.
Preliminary NWS wind forecasts predict a 20% to 40% chance of tropical-storm-force winds — e.g. winds averaging higher than 39 miles per hour over one minute — on Kaua‘i by Tuesday. O‘ahu has a 5% to 10% chance of those same winds.
However, the exact trajectory of the storm is still unpredictable; if Lowell tracks more to the east, stronger winds are possible. KEMA warns that major-hurricane-force winds of more than 110 mph, with even stronger gusts, are possible.
Consequently, KEMA recommends residents prepare now while the storm is still days away. Residents should assemble portable go-kits in case of evacuation, in addition to a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, any needed prescription medications and one gallon of water per person per day.
“Build your kit, fill your gas tank, secure your yard, check on your neighbors and your kūpuna, and talk story with your ʻohana about your plan before the weekend arrives,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami. “If Lowell passes us by, we will have lost nothing but a little time. If it does not, we will be grateful we started today.”
Residents are also advised to check weather conditions before going outside this weekend, as outdoor recreation areas, rivers and trails can quickly become hazardous, and rescues may not be possible depending on conditions.
Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday that he has dispatched six additional high-water vehicles to Kaua‘i and has authorized the deployment of additional National Guard personnel to the island.
Emergency shelters or refuge areas on Kaua‘i are not currently open, but the public will be notified if they are. Residents statewide should subscribe to emergency alerts via the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency and their county’s Civil Defense or Emergency Management department.
On O‘ahu, residents are also advised to stock up on supplies and secure their properties.
“We are heading into a holiday weekend, and the last thing we want is for people to become complacent or completely tune this out,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. “We are not telling everyone to run out to Costco and load up on toilet paper and water. We are asking you to be aware. Pay attention to the city, your local weathercasters and news stations, and keep an eye on the forecast.”
Currently, another hurricane in the Central Pacific — Hurricane Karina — is expected to pass north of the state, and weaken to sub-hurricane strength by the end of the holiday weekend.
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