Lowell forecast increasingly encouraging for O‘ahu, City remains vigilant

HONOLULU – The forecast for Hurricane Lowell continues to trend in a more encouraging direction for Oʻahu, with the powerful hurricane expected to remain well south of the island before turning north toward the western end of the state.

While that is welcome news for Oʻahu, the City and County of Honolulu continues to closely monitor Lowell and is asking residents not to completely tune out the storm as we head into the Labor Day weekend.

As of Friday morning, Hurricane Lowell had rapidly strengthened to a powerful Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. Lowell was located about 575 miles south-southwest of Honolulu and 610 miles south of Līhuʻe, moving west at 8 mph.

Lowell could strengthen further and possibly regain Category 5 intensity later Friday or Friday night.

The hurricane is expected to continue moving west and gradually slow before making a sharp turn toward the north or north-northeast on Sunday. The current forecast keeps the center of Lowell well west of Oʻahu as it makes that turn.

Forecasters are now emphasizing the potential for impacts to the western Hawaiian Islands, particularly Kauaʻi County, early next week. Watches are likely to be issued for a portion of the state on Saturday.

For Oʻahu, the latest forecast is increasingly encouraging.

“This is good news for Oʻahu, and every new forecast that keeps Lowell farther away from us is something we are grateful to see,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “But we are not going to declare this over while there is still a powerful hurricane south of our islands. It is a holiday weekend, so enjoy it, but stay connected and pay attention. And our thoughts are very much with our neighbors on Kauaʻi. We know how quickly these forecasts can change, and we stand ready to help them in any way we can.”

The City remains in close communication with state and federal partners and the other counties. City departments will continue monitoring the storm and maintaining readiness through the weekend.

Even with the improving forecast for Oʻahu, Lowell could still bring some weather impacts to the island. Current forecasts indicate rainfall of 1 to 2 inches across the remaining Hawaiian Islands outside of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Maui, with localized amounts of up to 4 inches possible.

Ocean Safety will add additional patrols this weekend

The ocean also remains a concern.

Swells generated by Lowell are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across many of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days. Those swells are likely to increase early next week.

With beaches expected to be busy over the Labor Day weekend, Honolulu Ocean Safety is asking everyone to check conditions before entering the water, follow lifeguard directions, and stay out if conditions are beyond their ability. Large surf and strong currents can be dangerous even when the weather on shore appears calm.

When in doubt, stay out.

Residents should continue normal activities and enjoy the holiday weekend, but keep an eye on the forecast. No need to rush to stores or stockpile supplies. If you already checked your hurricane kit this week, keep it ready. If you haven’t, this weekend remains a good opportunity to do so.

The City encourages residents to get storm information from reliable sources, including the City and County of Honolulu, the National Weather Service, local weathercasters, and trusted news organizations.

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 monitoring Lowell throughout the holiday weekend and provide updates as necessary.

—PAU—

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