Hawaii declared a statewide emergency as Hurricane Lowell approaches, with impacts expected Monday.
Why it matters: Officials are warning of tropical-storm conditions, heavy rain and flooding for parts of Hawaii. The storm could disrupt travel, infrastructure and business operations on Kauaʻi and Niihau, with statewide readiness already underway.
- Gov. Josh Green issued a statewide emergency proclamation on Sept. 2 covering Hurricane Lowell and other September tropical cyclones.
- The National Weather Service said Sunday Lowell was about 580 miles south-southwest of Lihue, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
- A tropical storm warning was in effect for Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest and Niihau.
- The NWS said tropical-storm-force winds could reach Kauaʻi Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning in some areas.
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide emergency on Sept. 2 to speed mobilization of state and county resources ahead of Hurricane Lowell and other September tropical cyclones. In the governor's announcement, Green said the proclamation allows agencies to mobilize personnel, equipment and resources more quickly. Read the governor's release.
By Sunday morning, the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Lowell was a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, located about 580 miles south-southwest of Lihue. The advisory said the storm was expected to turn north-northeast Sunday night into Monday and weaken gradually. See the latest advisory.
A tropical storm warning covered Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest and Niihau. The NWS warned that tropical-storm-force winds could hit Kauaʻi Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning in some areas. Check the warning area.
Officials told residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rain, flooding and possibly mudslides. The AP reported the storm had prompted tropical storm warnings for two islands and that Hawaii officials were warning of high surf and swells as well. See AP coverage.
By the numbers
- 125 mph - Lowell's maximum sustained winds, according to the NWS on Sunday.
- 580 miles - Lowell's distance south-southwest of Lihue on the Sept. 6 advisory.
- Sept. 2 - date Green issued the statewide emergency proclamation.
Yes, but: The storm's exact track and timing could still change with later advisories.
What's next: The NWS expected Lowell to turn north-northeast Sunday night into Monday, with warned-area impacts possible Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning.