Hurricane Lowell, a powerful Category 4 storm, is generating significant concern across Hawaii as it approaches a critical turn that could direct it towards the island chain. As of late Wednesday, the hurricane sustained maximum winds of 145 mph and was situated approximately 450 miles south of Hilo, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Lowell was tracking west at about 10 mph, with its forward speed anticipated to gradually decrease in the coming days.
"Should Lowell track close enough, there could be more significant impacts to the western portion of the islands in the form of heavy rain, strong winds and power outages." Alex DaSilva, Lead Hurricane Expert, AccuWeather
The storm's rapid intensification has been a key factor in the heightened alert. Lowell's sustained winds were roughly 90 mph Tuesday morning, but by Wednesday morning, they had escalated to 160 mph, briefly elevating the system to Category 5 intensity. A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft later measured Lowell at Category 4 strength, with sustained winds of 155 mph Wednesday evening. By 11 p.m. HST, winds had slightly decreased to 145 mph. This rapid strengthening underscores the potential danger Lowell poses as it nears Hawaii.
Forecasters' primary concern now centers on an anticipated northward turn once Lowell moves farther west of Hawaii. AccuWeather forecasts indicate that changing steering winds will cause the hurricane to abruptly curve north starting this weekend. The exact timing of this turn and the sharpness of Lowell’s curve are crucial determinants of whether Hawaii will experience a glancing blow or more severe impacts. Depending on the ultimate trajectory, the islands of Kauai and Oahu could face some of the most significant concern.
Despite the escalating threat, no coastal watches or warnings were in effect for Hawaii in the latest advisory. However, dangerous ocean conditions are already expected to affect the islands, regardless of whether Lowell makes direct landfall. Swells generated by the hurricane are spreading north towards the Hawaiian Islands, projected to produce potentially life-threatening surf and rip currents along coastal areas.
In anticipation of potential impacts, the American Red Cross has initiated preparations and is urging Hawaiian residents to ready their households. This includes establishing emergency kits and reviewing evacuation plans, even if the hurricane ultimately remains offshore. The National Hurricane Center has stressed that Lowell is expected to maintain its status as a major hurricane for several days and has advised people across Hawaii to continue monitoring its progress closely.
AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva commented on the expected trajectory and potential effects. "We expect Lowell to track close enough to Hawaii to have some impacts," DaSilva stated, highlighting rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and sneaker waves as the most likely immediate effects, particularly along south-facing beaches. A closer approach, however, could lead to more disruptive conditions. "Should Lowell track close enough, there could be more significant impacts to the western portion of the islands in the form of heavy rain, strong winds and power outages," DaSilva added, emphasizing the critical nature of the storm's path.
The precise timing of Lowell's turn is being closely watched by forecasters as it responds to changing atmospheric conditions southwest of Hawaii. Even minor alterations in its trajectory could substantially shift which islands experience the strongest conditions, making continuous monitoring essential for residents and emergency services.
Lowell's threat comes during an unusually active period in the Pacific. The hurricane is one of three cyclones currently active between Hawaii and the western coast of North America, alongside Karina and Marie. Wednesday also marked a significant meteorological event, as it was the first time on record that Category 4 and Category 5 hurricanes were simultaneously present in the eastern tropical Pacific, according to The Washington Post. This situation follows closely on the heels of another tropical system that affected Hawaii just weeks ago, prompting residents to once again prepare for severe weather. For the time being, federal forecasters are refraining from predicting a direct Hawaiian landfall, instead emphasizing that residents should diligently follow the hurricane's developing track.
