County of Maui officials encourage preparedness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina

County of Maui officials are encouraging residents and visitors to remain ready as two hurricanes — Lowell and Karina — approach the Hawaiian Islands, less than a month after Tropical Storm Lala affected the state. With multiple weather systems interacting, there is more uncertainty in forecasts, National Weather Service officials emphasized.

Lowell was last listed as a Category 4 hurricane. The NWS predicts the hurricane will continue moving west-northwest, passing about 400 miles south of the Hawaiian Islands over the next couple of days. However, other weakening systems are expected to cause Lowell to make a sharp turn north or north-northeast around Sunday, which could affect the western portion of the state. Forecast models still show significant differences in how far north the storm could turn.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Karina is about 1,195 miles east of Hilo. NWS said the hurricane is moving west-northwest through Friday and then turning more northward over the weekend. The expectation is that Karina will pass well northeast of Hawaiʻi and weaken, posing less of a threat.

“I know our community has been through a lot this hurricane season, and some are still recovering from the effects of recent storms — but this is exactly the time when we need to remain vigilant and ready,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “Our County teams are closely monitoring both Lowell and Karina, preparing for possible effects, coordinating with our partners and making sure we are positioned and ready to respond as conditions evolve. Hurricane season is far from over, and we all have a role to play in staying prepared.”

For Maui County, the main weather effects expected from Lowell are wind and surf.

To prepare for possible effects from Hurricane Lowell and Karina, Maui Emergency Management Agency and other County departments are coordinating with state, private and nonprofit partners.

“Strong and gusty trade winds along with high surf are our main concerns at this time – but we need everyone to understand these hurricanes are fluid, which increases the importance to be prepared and stay updated,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “Each storm brings the possibility of extended power outages, so make sure you have a backup plan for possible food loss, water interruptions and loss of internet service.”

Residents are encouraged to:

• Review or update your family emergency plan.
• Stock at least 14 days of food, water, medications and essential items.
• Secure important documents and know your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
• Prepare your home by securing outdoor items, protecting windows as needed and planning for extended power outages.
• Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications at https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

For the latest information, visit the National Weather Service in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/.