HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is closely monitoring Hurricane Lowell, which rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane Wednesday, and is urging Oʻahu residents to remain vigilant and use the next several days to prepare.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Lowell was located about 445 miles south of Hilo, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. Lowell was moving west at 10 mph.
Lowell is now a Category 5 hurricane, the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Forecasters are highly confident that Lowell will remain a major hurricane through the weekend.
The current forecast has Lowell continuing generally westward, well south of the Hawaiian Islands, while gradually slowing over the next few days. A change in the steering pattern is then expected to cause Lowell to make a sharp turn toward the north or north-northeast late this weekend into early next week.
Considerable uncertainty remains about how sharp that turn will be and exactly where Lowell will track. The latest forecast guidance has continued to shift the longer-range track eastward, and the National Hurricane Center is advising interests throughout the Hawaiian Islands to continue closely monitoring Lowell’s progress.
There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Hawaiʻi.
“This is an extremely powerful hurricane, and we are watching it very closely,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We don’t know yet exactly where Lowell is going to turn or what impacts it could eventually bring to Hawaiʻi. What we do know is that we have time right now, and we need to use it. I’m asking everyone on Oʻahu to stay vigilant, follow the forecast, and make sure you and your family are prepared. Don’t wait until the weekend. Take advantage of these extra days and get ready now.”
Based on the current forecast, any potential significant impacts to the Hawaiian Islands would not occur until early next week. That gives residents valuable time to prepare now rather than waiting until the forecast becomes clearer.
Residents should use the next several days to:
• Check and replenish emergency food, water, medications and other supplies.
• Make sure flashlights, batteries, portable chargers and radios are working.
• Fill vehicles with fuel and make sure backup generators are ready to operate safely.
• Secure or make plans to secure outdoor furniture and other loose items.
• Review family emergency and communication plans.
• Check on kūpuna, neighbors and others who may need assistance preparing.
• Sign up for HNL Alert to receive emergency information from the City.
• Continue monitoring official forecasts from the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Swells generated by Lowell are spreading northward and will affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
The City’s Department of Emergency Management continues to closely monitor Lowell and coordinate with federal, state and county partners.
Residents should prepare now, but there is no reason to panic or rush to stores. Having several days of advance notice provides an opportunity to methodically check emergency supplies, address any gaps in family plans and continue monitoring the forecast.
Hurricane season continues through November 30.
September is National Preparedness Month. Visit honolulu.gov/dem to learn about preparedness for hurricanes and other hazards.
The City will continue providing updates as the forecast for Hurricane Lowell develops.
—PAU—
