Hurricane Lowell is forecast to pass close to Hawaii late on Labor Day, threatening parts of the state with hurricane-force winds, flooding rain and "extremely dangerous surf.” The Category 3 storm had sustained winds of 120 mph and was centered about 50 miles south-southwest of Lihue at 5 p.m. Sunday local time, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said. A shift in its projected path prompted a hurricane watch for Kauai County, meaning “hurricane conditions are possible.” Lowell was expected to approach Niihau and Kauai on Monday night and early Tuesday as a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane.
A tropical storm warning also remained in effect for Kauai County, where “tropical storm conditions are expected” within 36 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center. Officials warned that isolated rainfall totals could reach 14 inches on Niihau and Kauai, with “flash floods and landslides possible,” particularly in steep terrain. As Lowell’s “final track comes into focus,” the state emergency management agency urged residents to “rush to complete preparations.” This is a developing story - more to follow.
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