Hurricane Lowell weakened slightly to a Category 4 storm Saturday with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph but forecasters warned that heavy rain, dangerous surf and potentially life-threatening coastal conditions could affect Hawaii in the coming days.
The National Hurricane Centre said Lowell remained a powerful hurricane as it moved across the Central Pacific. The storm is expected to remain near major hurricane strength as it approaches the western Hawaiian Islands, but its exact path and potential impacts are still uncertain.
Large swells from Lowell are expected to reach the islands, causing hazardous surf and strong rip currents along exposed coastlines, according to forecasters. Heavy rainfall could also lead to flash flooding and mudslides in some areas, especially if the storm passes closer to the islands.
The hurricane had earlier strengthened to Category 5 intensity before weakening. Recent forecasts suggest that Lowell may make a sharp turn to the north and pass close to the western Hawaiian Islands late Sunday or Monday, which adds to the uncertainty about how bad the weather could get.
As Lowell nears, Hawaii officials urged residents to watch forecasts and get ready for changing conditions. The National Hurricane Centre said residents in the Hawaiian Islands should closely monitor the storm’s progress.
