City remains vigilant as Hurricane Lowell moves south of the Hawaiian Islands

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu continues to closely monitor Hurricane Lowell as the powerful storm moves south of the Hawaiian Islands and is asking Oʻahu residents to stay aware of the forecast as we head into the Labor Day weekend.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, Hurricane Lowell remained a powerful Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm continues to move westward south of the Hawaiian Islands and is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days.

The latest forecast continues to take Lowell westward before the hurricane slows and eventually makes a sharp turn toward the north or north-northeast. Based on the current forecast, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are closer to the storm’s potential path as it makes that turn. However, considerable uncertainty remains about exactly when and where Lowell will turn, and Oʻahu is not completely out of the picture.

Forecasters continue to emphasize that Lowell’s long-range track and intensity forecasts are more uncertain than usual. It remains too soon to determine what, if any, impacts Lowell could eventually bring to the Hawaiian Islands.

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Hawaiʻi.

“This is not a time for alarm, but it is absolutely a time to pay attention,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We are heading into a holiday weekend, and the last thing we want is for people to become complacent or completely tune this out. 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. A lot can change with a hurricane over a couple of days. Enjoy your weekend, but know what’s going on and make sure you’re ready if the forecast changes.”

The City is at a heightened state of readiness. Departments are reviewing staffing, equipment, and operational plans, and the Department of Emergency Management continues coordinating with federal, state, and county partners.

For residents, there is still time to prepare without rushing. Take a look at what you already have at home. Make sure you have enough food, water, and necessary medications. Charge portable batteries. Know where your flashlights are. Make sure you have a way to receive information if the power or internet goes down. If something is missing from your hurricane kit, take care of it while you have time.

Most importantly, don’t tune out the forecast because it is a holiday weekend.

The current forecast does not mean Lowell will impact Oʻahu. It also does not mean Oʻahu is completely in the clear. The storm is still several days away from making its expected turn, and forecasters continue to emphasize that Lowell’s longer-range track remains more uncertain than usual.

Swells generated by Lowell will continue affecting portions of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days and are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Depending on Lowell’s eventual track, those swells could increase early next week.

The City is also monitoring two other hurricanes farther east in the Pacific.

Hurricane Karina remains a major Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph and is forecast to gradually weaken over the next several days.
Hurricane Marie has strengthened, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph Thursday morning. Some additional strengthening is possible before Marie is forecast to begin gradually weakening this weekend.

Neither Karina nor Marie currently poses an immediate threat to the Hawaiian Islands.

However, having three hurricanes active across the Pacific is another reminder that hurricane season is far from over.

Residents should continue to monitor official City and National Weather Service information, along with trusted local television, radio, and digital news sources. Sign up for HNL Alert to receive emergency information directly from the City.

Hurricane season continues through November 30, and September is National Preparedness Month. Visit www.honolulu.gov/dem for information about preparing for hurricanes and other hazards.

The City will continue providing updates on Lowell as the forecast develops.

—PAU—

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