City is closely monitoring rapidly strengthening Hurricane Lowell and active Pacific

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is closely monitoring three active tropical systems across the Pacific, including rapidly strengthening Hurricane Lowell, and is reminding residents to remain prepared as Hawaiʻi enters the final three months of hurricane season.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Hurricane Lowell had strengthened into a Category 4 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Lowell was located about 500 miles south-southeast of Hilo and moving west at 10 mph.

Additional strengthening is forecast, and Lowell is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next few days.

The current forecast keeps the center of Lowell south of the main Hawaiian Islands, with a west-to-west-northwest motion expected over the next several days. The City continues to closely monitor the system and any changes in its track or intensity.

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Hawaiʻi. However, swells generated by Lowell are expected to begin affecting portions of the Hawaiian Islands on Wednesday and are likely to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Farther east, Hurricane Karina remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Karina is moving west at 12 mph and is expected to gradually weaken over the next several days.

Tropical Storm Marie is also strengthening in the eastern Pacific. As of its latest advisory Tuesday afternoon, Marie had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was moving northwest at 8 mph. Marie is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday.

While the current forecasts do not show an immediate direct threat to Oʻahu, the active Pacific is another reminder that hurricane season is far from over.

“This is exactly why we continue to ask everyone to stay prepared throughout hurricane season,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Lowell has strengthened very quickly today, and while the current track remains favorable for us, we know these storms can change. As we head into the Labor Day weekend, this is a good opportunity to check your emergency supplies, replenish anything you used during our recent storms and make sure your family has a plan. We still have three months left in hurricane season, and we need everyone to remain ready.”

The Central Pacific hurricane season runs through November 30.

Residents are encouraged to use the upcoming holiday weekend 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.

Know where to go if conditions require leaving home.

Continue monitoring official forecasts from the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

The City’s Department of Emergency Management continues to monitor conditions and coordinate with federal, state and county partners. The City will provide additional information should the forecast or potential impacts to Oʻahu change.

September is National Preparedness Month. Visit honolulu.gov/dem to learn about preparedness for hurricanes and other hazards.

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