Hurricane Lowell is approaching Hawaii as a Category 2 storm, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, dangerous surf and flooding risks. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and was moving north-northeast at 18 mph Monday afternoon.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Kauai and Niihau, where Lowell’s closest approach is expected Monday night into Tuesday morning. The storm could bring 6 to 10 inches of rain to the islands, with isolated totals reaching 16 inches, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides.
Dangerous surf is also expected with waves reaching 20 to 30 feet around Kauai and Niihau and up to 20 feet around Oahu. Flooding has already affected some roads on Oahu, while rivers on Kauai were approaching flood stage.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has declared a statewide state of emergency. Schools and government offices on Kauai and Niihau are closed, while flights at Lihue Airport were canceled as conditions deteriorated. Officials have urged residents to shelter in place and prepare for flooding and possible power outages.
Lowell is the third storm in just over three weeks to threaten Hawaii. Meteorologists say El Niño is contributing to increased tropical activity in the Central Pacific by producing warmer ocean conditions and weaker upper-level winds.
