HAWAII — Powerful Hurricane Lowell is finally making its anticipated turn toward the north, putting parts of the western Hawaiian Islands in line for potentially dangerous rain, wind and surf beginning late Sunday and continuing into Monday.
A dip in the jet stream is helping push Lowell northward and is eventually expected to pick up the hurricane and accelerate it past Hawaii.
While the storm is not forecast to make a direct pass across the entire island chain, its moisture and circulation are expected to produce significant impacts.
Tropical moisture is forecast to begin spreading over the islands late Sunday, with periods of heavy rain continuing through Monday.
The western islands, particularly Kauai, appear likely to experience some of the most significant effects.
Up to 12 Inches of Rain Could Hit Kauai
Heavy rainfall is one of the biggest concerns surrounding Lowell.
Forecasts call for up to 12 inches of rain on Kauai, with totals approaching that amount also possible on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Such heavy rainfall could create dangerous conditions, particularly across Hawaii’s steep terrain.
Flash flooding and mudslides are possible on steep slopes, making it important for residents and visitors to remain aware of changing conditions and local flood alerts.
Other islands are expected to receive lower rainfall totals, but locally heavy downpours will still be possible.
Residents are being urged to monitor alerts and instructions from the National Weather Service in Honolulu as the storm approaches.
Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Kauai and Niihau
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Kauai and Niihau, the small island immediately west of Kauai.
Conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for winds above 40 mph late Monday, with significantly stronger gusts possible at higher elevations and through mountain passes.
The terrain of the Hawaiian Islands can accelerate winds in certain locations, meaning some communities could experience stronger gusts than surrounding areas.
A Hurricane Watch is also in effect for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a long chain of islands extending west of Kauai.
There are no permanent residents in the monument, though researchers and staff work on and care for the islands.
Huge Waves Expected Along Western Hawaiian Islands
Lowell is also expected to generate dangerous ocean conditions.
Huge waves are forecast to crash onto south-facing shores of the western Hawaiian Islands, creating potentially hazardous conditions along beaches and coastal areas.
Hawaii generally does not experience the same massive hurricane-driven storm surge that can affect locations along the Gulf of Mexico. Still, elevated water levels remain a concern.
Around harbors and inlets, the Monday night high tide could reach up to 3 feet above normal.
People near the coast should remain cautious and follow local warnings, particularly as large waves begin reaching the islands.
Kauai Residents Urged to Prepare Now
With the strongest impacts approaching, residents across Kauai County are being encouraged to complete preparations.
Outdoor items that could become airborne in strong winds should be secured or brought indoors, and households should be prepared for the possibility of power outages.
Residents should also pay close attention to instructions from local emergency officials as Lowell moves closer.
Officials across Hawaii have worked to improve natural-disaster preparedness, but individual preparation remains important when tropical systems threaten the islands.
Hurricane Marie and Tropical Storm Karina Send Swells Toward California
Lowell is not the only tropical system affecting the Pacific.
Hurricane Marie and Tropical Storm Karina are weakening, but both continue to generate strong swells headed toward the California and Mexico coasts.
Because the swells are arriving from two different storms, their energy can occasionally combine and produce unexpectedly large waves.
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These so-called “sneaker waves” can suddenly flood beaches or overtake jetties, creating serious danger for people near the water.
Another system also has a medium chance of developing later this week in the eastern Pacific.
Atlantic Remains Quiet as Saharan Dust Dominates
Meanwhile, the Atlantic tropical picture remains unusually quiet.
Strong Saharan dust and an unfavorable atmospheric environment are limiting the chances for tropical development.
At this point, no tropical development is expected in the Atlantic through the coming week.
For Hawaii, however, attention remains firmly on Hurricane Lowell as its northward turn brings the western islands closer to a period of heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous surf.
Are you in Hawaii or have family in the islands as Hurricane Lowell approaches? Share how preparations are going in your area in the comments.