By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– The City and County of Honolulu continues to closely monitor Hurricane Lowell as the powerful storm moves across the Central Pacific, while reminding Oʻahu residents to stay aware of the forecast and use the next several days to prepare.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Lowell was located about 440 miles south of Hilo, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. Lowell was moving west at 10 mph.
Lowell is a powerful Category 4 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next few days, but forecasters expect Lowell to remain a major hurricane for the next several days.
The current forecast has Lowell continuing generally westward, well south of the Hawaiian Islands, while gradually slowing over the next few days. Forecasters expect a change in the steering pattern later this weekend that could cause Lowell to make a sharp turn toward the north or north-northeast.
The National Hurricane Center emphasizes that the details of Lowell’s long-range track and intensity forecasts are more uncertain than usual, and 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.
“There is no cause for alarm right now, and a lot can change with this storm over the next couple of days,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This is about being aware and being ready. Pay attention to the forecast, make sure you have what you need, and use the time we have now to prepare. We don’t know exactly where Lowell is going to go, but it is always better to be ready than to find yourself scrambling at the last minute.”
Residents should continue normal activities while staying informed and monitoring the forecast through the upcoming weekend. The additional time before any potential impacts gives everyone an opportunity to make sure their hurricane plan is in place and their emergency supply kit is ready.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Check and replenish emergency food, water, medications, and other supplies.
- Make sure flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and radios are working.
- Review family emergency and communication plans.
- Make sure vehicles have fuel and backup generators are ready to operate safely.
- Check on kūpuna, neighbors, and others who may need assistance preparing.
- Sign up for HNL Alert to receive emergency information from the City.
- Continue monitoring official forecasts from the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Swells generated by Lowell are already spreading northward and are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in portions of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days. Depending on Lowell’s eventual track, those swells could increase early next week.
The City is also monitoring Hurricane Karina and Tropical Storm Marie farther east in the Pacific. Neither system currently poses an immediate threat to Hawaiʻi, but their presence, along with Lowell, underscores the importance of remaining prepared throughout hurricane season.
The City’s Department of Emergency Management continues to monitor all three systems and coordinate with federal, state, and county partners.
Hurricane season continues through November 30, and September is National Preparedness Month. Visit honolulu.gov/dem to learn more about preparing for hurricanes and other hazards.
The City will continue providing updates as the forecast for Hurricane Lowell develops.