Although the storm is currently moving to the west, Lowell is forecast to make a sharp right turn toward Hawaii.
Peak of the Atlantic hurricane season arrives
The entire Atlantic Ocean is now open for tropical development as we enter late August. AccuWeather’s Bernie Rayno explains why.
Hurricane Lowell is on a path forecasters fear will soon bend toward the western Hawaiian Islands, with a landfall or glancing blow possible somewhere in Hawaii near Labor Day, forecasters said.
Although the storm is currently moving to the west, seemingly away from Hawaii, Lowell is forecast to make a sharp right turn to the north over the weekend.
A forecast from the National Hurricane Center late the night of Sept. 3 Hawaiian time, early Sept. 4 ET, said Lowell is expected to be “at major hurricane strength when makes its closest approach to the Hawaiian Islands.”
Forecasters said it could move near or just west of the westernmost main islands late on Sept. 7 and into early Sept. 8.
A major hurricane has winds of at least 111 mph; Category 3, 4 and 5 storms are classified as major hurricanes.
“While it is still too soon to determine the exact track of the hurricane, Lowell could bring storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts to portions of Hawaii early next week,” the hurricane center said.
As of 5 a.m. ET on Friday Sept. 4, or 11 p.m. Hawaii time, the center of Lowell was located about 555 miles south-southwest from Honolulu and was moving to the west at 9 mph. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 235 mph, making it a Category 3 storm.
The hurricane center track forecast moves Lowell slowly westward with a northward turn and increase in forward speed by Sunday, Sept. 6.
Lowell is forecast to be a Category 3 hurricane at its closest proximity to Hawaii, the National Weather Service in Honolulu said in a forecast discussion from Sept. 3.
The hurricane center said that with a Category 3 storm, “devastating damage will occur: well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.”
“Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes,” the hurricane center said.
Doyle Rice and Dinah Voyles Pulver are national correspondents for USA TODAY, with a focus on weather and climate.