Tropical Storm Lowell continued a westward track this morning and remains well to the south of the Hawaiian Islands, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. As of the 11 a.m. advisory, Lowell was located about 985 miles east-southeast of Hilo and had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph with higher gusts.
Forecast and timing
Lowell was moving west at roughly 13 mph. Forecasters project that the storm will continue generally westward over the next two to three days and is expected to intensify, reaching hurricane strength by Monday night or Tuesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward as far as 70 miles from the storm's center.
Regional context: Eastern Pacific activity
Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Karina is strengthening well east of the central Pacific. At the 11 a.m. advisory, Karina was about 950 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph and a westward motion at approximately 9 mph. Karina is expected to continue intensifying and could become a major hurricane within a day or so. Hurricane-force winds around Karina reach up to 5 miles from its center, while tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 70 miles.
- Current location of Lowell: ~985 miles ESE of Hilo
- Lowell maximum sustained winds: 50 mph
- Lowell forecast: likely to become a hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday
What this means for Hawaii
At present, Lowell's center is far south of the state, and forecasts indicate it will remain on a southerly track as it gains strength. That trajectory reduces the likelihood of a direct landfall on the main islands; however, residents and officials should continue monitoring updates because storm tracks can shift and hazards such as high surf, rip currents and increased rainfall can affect coastal and downwind areas even from a distance. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies publish advisories when impacts become more likely.
| Storm | Location (approx.) | Winds | Motion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell | ~985 miles ESE of Hilo | 50 mph (tropical-storm-force winds to 70 miles) | West near 13 mph |
| Karina | ~950 miles WSW of southern tip of Baja California | 90 mph (hurricane-force to 5 miles; tropical-storm-force to 70 miles) | West near 9 mph |
Residents should keep emergency kits and communication plans ready and follow guidance from county emergency agencies and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Updated forecasts and potential watches or warnings will be issued if Lowell's projected path or intensity changes in ways that could threaten the islands.
Leilani Akana reports from Honolulu for News Block.
