Hurricane Lowell Maintains Category 4 Strength as Hawaii Braces for a Close Call

Hurricane Lowell remained a Category 4 storm on Saturday, carrying winds of up to 150 mph as Hawaii prepared for a potentially dangerous close approach. The storm was more than 600 miles south of the islands and was expected to turn sharply north before passing near the western islands early the following week.

Lowell had shifted between Category 4 and Category 5 strength in recent days. Forecasters said it could intensify further over the next day or so before weakening, although it was expected to remain near Category 4 strength as it approached Hawaii.

The greatest uncertainty concerned how close the hurricane would come to Niihau and Kauai. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast placed the center about 150 miles west of Niihau and 190 miles west of Kauai on Tuesday morning, but forecasters said confidence in the exact track was lower than usual. A shift of less than 100 miles east could bring the storm substantially closer, while forecast models ranged from a devastating landfall on Kauai or Oahu to a path more than 400 miles west of Niihau.

Dangerous conditions were possible even without a major change in the track. Rough seas, coastal flooding and strong rip currents could begin affecting the islands over the weekend, with the western islands facing the greatest risk. The National Weather Service warned of major coastal flooding in Kauai and significant flooding in Oahu. Large waves, additional water pushed toward southern shores and tides near their monthly peak could worsen the threat.

Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency across Hawaii on Thursday, allowing authorities to mobilize resources and activate National Guard units. Six high-water vehicles were sent to Kauai, where crews cleared drainage systems and positioned equipment in flood-prone areas. At least two state parks closed camping facilities, and authorities urged residents to keep 14 days of supplies. “Our state is still recovering from Lala, and we are not waiting for another storm to get close before preparing,” Green said. He also warned that further tropical systems could affect the state in the coming weeks.

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Our state is still recovering from Lala, and we are not waiting for another storm to get close before preparing.