Lowell to pass south of Hawaiʻi as a major hurricane; Karina continues on westward path

Interests in Hawai’i continue to monitor Hurricane Lowell and Hurricane Karina as both systems track across the Pacific.

According to preliminary forecasts from the National Weather Service, Lowell is anticipated to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, bringing the possibility of stronger and gustier trade winds and increased rainfall.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for breezy trade winds today, becoming strong and gusty as early as tomorrow afternoon. Showers will generally favor windward and mauka areas, particularly during the overnight through early morning hours each day.

Lowell, now a hurricane, is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by Wednesday night, according to the NWS. The system is about 575 miles southeast of the Big Island, and is forecast to pass south of the Big Island late Wednesday into Thursday. Winds are expected to remain strong and gusty through Friday as Lowell passes south of the islands.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports Lowell is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph. A west to west-northwest motion is expected to continue during the next several days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 985 mb (29.09 inches).

The forecast remains uncertain for Labor Day weekend.

As we head into the weekend, as Lowell exits, our focus will shift more to Hurricane Karina which is currently about 1500 miles east of the Big Island, the NWS reports. The latest forecast from NHC for Karina brings it about 600 miles east of the Big Island on Saturday.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for waters offshore of Hawaiʻi beyond 40 nautical miles out to 240 nautical miles including the portion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument east of French Frigate Shoals.