The word is no longer โcould.โ
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Kauai County, including Niihau. Sustained winds of 39โ73 mph are possible beginning Monday. A hurricane watch covers the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals. Hurricane Lowell was still a Category 4 at 130 mph as of Saturday evening, about 630 miles south-southwest of Lihue, moving northwest at 5 mph. The north turn is today. Closest pass: late Monday into early Tuesday, 150โ175 nautical miles west of Niihau. Forecasters still have it as a Category 3, about 115 mph, at that point.
All islands are under a flood watch through Tuesday afternoon. Kauai rain: 4โ8 inches, isolated 10. Big Island 2โ6, isolated 10. Other islands 2โ4. Surf: east shores up to 14 feet, south 12, rising tonight. The Kauai Marathon โ 2,400 sold-out runners โ is cancelled. Five refuge sites are on standby and still last-resort: Kฤซlauea, Kapaสปa Middle, Kauaสปi High, Kalฤheo, Waimea Canyon Middle. Bring your own kit. Pets need crates.
KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio, who started in county government on an Iniki recovery grant: โWeโve had an entire career to prepare for this.โ He also said do not hike, do not swim, do not assume help can reach you at the peak.
What this means for you
If you are on Kauai or Niihau, the watch is the boring green light to finish water, meds, and a plan. If you have a western-islands trip Monday, this is the cancel. If you are swimming anywhere in the state today, donโt.
Bottom line: the watch is posted. The turn is today. Monday night is the date. Category 4 is still the engine.
GLHR NEWS explains the news. Not investment, tax, or trading advice. Do your own work before you act.
