HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green issued a statewide emergency proclamation as Category 4 Hurricane Lowell tracked far south of Hawaii and forecasts shifted toward a sharp northward turn that could threaten Kauai early next week, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center, issuing advisories with the National Hurricane Center, said Thursday that Lowell remained a major hurricane with sustained winds near 130 mph (215 km/h) and a central pressure near 943 mb while centered about 495 miles south-southwest of Hilo and 590 miles south of Lihue. Forecasters expect a westward crawl, then a turn north this weekend and a closest approach to the westernmost main islands late Monday into Tuesday, still near major-hurricane strength.
No tropical storm or hurricane watches were yet in effect, but Kauai sits inside the forecast uncertainty cone. National Weather Service meteorologists warned of significant flash-flood and wind risk and an extreme surf and storm-surge hazard for Kauai on Monday. Swells from Lowell already prompted high-surf advisories for south- and southeast-facing shores statewide. Hurricane Karina, farther east, was also being monitored as it weakened.
Green’s office said the proclamation, in effect through Nov. 1, covers preparation for Lowell, Karina, Marie and any further storms as Hawaii continues recovering from Tropical Cyclone Lala. The state is sending six high-water vehicles to Kauai and activating Hawaii National Guard personnel. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami urged residents to build kits, fill tanks, secure yards and check on neighbors while models continue to shift.
Sources: Honolulu Star-Advertiser; NOAA / NHC-CPHC.
