city monitoring Pacific hurricanes, urges caution as lowell generates dangerous surf
HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu continues to closely monitor Hurricane Lowell as the powerful storm moves south of the Hawaiian Islands, with forecasters now saying the hurricane could move near the westernmost main Hawaiian Islands late Monday and Monday night.
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, Hurricane Lowell was located about 495 miles south-southwest of Hilo and 590 miles south of Līhuʻe, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Lowell was moving west at 9 mph.
Lowell remains a Category 4 hurricane and is expected to remain a major hurricane through the weekend. The storm is forecast to continue moving west while gradually slowing over the next day or two, then turn toward the north this weekend.
There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Hawaiʻi.
Lowell’s exact track remains uncertain. However, the National Hurricane Center now says Lowell could be at or near major hurricane strength when it moves near the westernmost main Hawaiian Islands late Monday and Monday night. Depending on its eventual track, Lowell could bring storm surge, strong winds and rainfall impacts to portions of Hawaiʻi early next week.
For Oʻahu, it remains too early to determine what impacts the island could experience. The City continues to closely monitor the forecast and is asking residents not to tune out over the Labor Day weekend.
One impact from Lowell that residents and visitors need to pay attention to now is the ocean.
Swells generated by Lowell are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in portions of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days, with swells expected to increase early next week.
With the Labor Day weekend approaching, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department is reminding everyone to know this before you go:
- Don’t test your limits. Large surf can be dangerous, even for experienced ocean users.
- Never turn your back on the ocean. Powerful waves can arrive unexpectedly.
- Follow all warnings and instructions from Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards.
- Keep your distance from dangerous shorebreak, rocks, and rough surf.
- Keep children and inexperienced ocean users out of hazardous conditions.
When in doubt, stay out. You can still enjoy the ocean safely from shore.
“We want people to enjoy the holiday weekend, but we also want everyone paying attention,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “There is no reason for alarm, but there is every reason to stay aware. We don’t know exactly where Lowell is going to go, and that forecast can change. The same goes for the ocean. If the surf is up or conditions don’t look right, don’t take the chance. Listen to our lifeguards, know your limits, and use good judgment.”
The City remains at a heightened state of readiness, with departments reviewing staffing, equipment, and operational plans. The Department of Emergency Management continues to coordinate with federal, state, and county partners and closely monitor changes in Lowell’s track and intensity.
For residents, the message heading into the long weekend is simple: stay informed and be prepared.
No need to rush to stores or stockpile supplies. Take a look at what you already have, fill any gaps in your hurricane kit, and make sure your family has a plan. Have enough food, water, and necessary medications on hand, charge portable batteries, and make sure you have a way to receive reliable information if power or internet service is disrupted.
The City is also continuing to monitor Hurricane Karina and Hurricane Marie farther east in the Pacific. Neither storm currently poses an immediate threat to Hawaiʻi, but having three hurricanes active across the Pacific is another reminder that we remain in the heart of hurricane season.
Residents should follow City updates and sign up for HNL Alert at hnlalert.gov to receive emergency notifications. Continue monitoring forecasts from the National Weather Service and trusted local television, radio, and digital news sources.
Hurricane season continues through November 30, and September is National Preparedness Month. Visit honolulu.gov/dem for information about preparing for hurricanes and other hazards.
The City will continue providing updates as the forecast for Hurricane Lowell develops.
—PAU—
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
