Climate & Environment
Hurricane Lowell Prompts Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for Kauai as Storm Tracks North
By Kauai Now
Kauai County is bracing for potentially significant impacts as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the south, prompting a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for Kauai, Niihau, and surrounding coastal waters. The storm, located about 500 miles south-southwest of Kauai, is expected to pass west of the island's coastal waters late Monday through Monday night.
Forecasters warn that tropical storm conditions are expected across the island, with hurricane conditions possible, particularly as the storm's track has shifted slightly eastward, increasing the likelihood of hurricane-force winds reaching Kauai and Niihau.
Across West Kauai, breezy conditions with occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected tonight, with lows ranging from around 66 degrees above 3,000 feet to 75 degrees near shore. Labor Day will bring frequent showers, isolated thunderstorms, and highs between 78 and 87 degrees, with east winds gusting up to 50 mph in the afternoon. Conditions are expected to intensify Monday night, with southeast winds reaching 25 to 50 mph before shifting south after midnight.
Similar patterns are forecast for South, North, and East Kauai, as well as the Kauai Mountains, with rain chances near 100 percent through the period. Wind gusts in mountain areas could reach 65 mph by Monday night. Temperatures across the island will generally range from the upper 60s to upper 80s depending on elevation and location.
Meteorologists say heavy rainfall remains the most significant concern, with Kauai expected to receive 6 to 10 inches of rain, and isolated areas potentially seeing up to 14 inches through Tuesday afternoon. The Big Island could see 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals up to 12 inches due to terrain effects, while other islands may receive 2 to 4 inches, with Maui potentially seeing isolated totals of 8 inches. A Flood Watch remains in effect statewide through Tuesday afternoon due to the risk of flash flooding and mudslides, especially in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island.
High surf is also a major concern. A High Surf Warning has been issued for south-facing shores statewide, including Kauai's south and southwest coasts, as swell from Lowell is expected to peak Monday night. This coincides with peak monthly high tides, raising the risk of coastal property and infrastructure damage. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores due to swell from the weakening former Tropical Storm Karina, now a post-tropical low located about 620 miles northeast of the Big Island.
Forecasters also warned of the potential for short-lived tornadoes or waterspouts, particularly near Kauai and Niihau as Lowell makes its closest approach, with the threat expected to diminish by early Tuesday morning.
In aviation-related impacts, increasing cloud cover and showers are expected to bring marginal and instrument flight conditions to the region, with the wind pattern shifting from east-southeast to southeast. Turbulence and icing are also possible at higher altitudes due to upper-level disturbances.
On the marine side, a Small Craft Advisory has been expanded due to rising winds and seas, with hurricane conditions possible in western offshore waters through Tuesday as Lowell's center is projected to pass just west of Niihau. Officials cautioned that any shift in the storm's track could significantly change impacts on coastal waters.
Fire weather risk remains low due to increased moisture from the storm, though thunderstorms remain possible through Monday because of an unstable atmosphere.
Forecasters expect conditions to improve later in the week, with high pressure building back in from Thursday through Saturday, restoring more typical trade wind patterns and drier, more stable air across the islands.