Hurricane Lowell Strengthens to Category 3 as Hawaii Issues Warning

Hurricane Lowell has intensified into a powerful Category 3 storm and is now barreling toward Hawaii, prompting officials to issue a Hurricane Warning for the island of Kauaʻi, according to FOX Weather.

The storm made its final turn toward the Hawaiian islands over the weekend, with forecasters tracking its path as it moves closer to land, CNN reports. The National Weather Service has warned residents to prepare for tropical storm conditions as Lowell passes to the west of the island chain, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.

Forecasters expect Kauaʻi to experience heavy rain and strong winds as the hurricane approaches, The New York Times reports. The Hurricane Warning signals that hurricane conditions are possible within the warning area, and residents are being urged to complete preparations, The Weather Channel notes.

The storm is the latest in a series of weather systems to threaten Hawaii this season. While the exact track remains uncertain, the current forecast places the storm's center west of the main islands, which would likely spare Oʻahu and Maui the worst impacts, according to multiple outlets.

hurricane lowell

However, even a passing hurricane can bring dangerous surf, flash flooding, and damaging winds to areas outside the direct path. The outer bands of Lowell are expected to lash the islands with gusty conditions and heavy rainfall, FOX Weather reports.

What to watch next: The storm's precise trajectory over the next 24 hours will determine whether the Hurricane Warning expands to other islands or remains limited to Kauaʻi.