Hurricane Lowell Category 3: Tropical Storm Warnings Issued for Kauai and Niihau

Hurricane Lowell is moving northward toward the western Hawaiian Islands as a powerful Category 3 storm, prompting new tropical storm warnings for Kauai and Niihau ahead of expected impacts on Monday.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds near 125 mph as it tracked north-northwest south-southwest of Hawaii, according to the latest hurricane advisory.

Tropical Storm Warnings for Kauai and Niihau

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Kauai and Niihau as forecasters expect deteriorating weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous surf.

Lowell is forecast to pass west of Kauai, but the hurricane’s large circulation is expected to spread significant impacts well beyond its center.

Residents and visitors in the western Hawaiian Islands are being urged to closely monitor official forecasts and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.

Hurricane Warning for Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument

A Hurricane Warning has also been issued for portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals.

Hurricane conditions are expected to become possible in those remote northwestern Hawaiian waters as Lowell continues moving northward.

Heavy Rain, Strong Winds and Dangerous Surf Expected

Forecasters are warning that Lowell could bring heavy tropical rainfall, strong southerly winds and rapidly increasing surf to parts of Hawaii.

Large swells generated by the hurricane are already affecting south-facing shores, with even larger surf expected as the storm moves closer.

The strongest effects across the main Hawaiian Islands are expected in the western part of the state, particularly Kauai and Niihau, as Lowell makes its closest approach.