Multiple sources including Maui County, Maui Now, Mauirecovers, and Hawaii News Now are reporting that two hurricanes — Lowell and Karina — are tracking toward the Hawaiian Islands, prompting officials to urge residents and visitors to prepare. The National Weather Service has flagged above-average forecast uncertainty due to multiple interacting weather systems. Mayor Richard Bissen confirmed that County teams and emergency management agencies are actively coordinating response efforts.
- Hurricane Lowell rapidly intensified to Category 5 at its peak, with maximum sustained winds near 155 mph and a central pressure of 932 mb; it has since been reported at Category 4 as forecasts evolve.
- Lowell is tracking west-northwest roughly 400–460 miles south of the Hawaiian Islands before an expected sharp turn north or north-northeast around Sunday.
- Forecast confidence is increasing that Lowell could pass very close to Kauai on Monday or Tuesday, though the exact track remains uncertain. (Hawaii News Now)
- A Wind Advisory is in effect for portions of Maui County and the Big Island through 6 a.m. Friday, with wind gusts up to 55 mph expected in windier areas.
- Elevated surf on south-facing shores of Maui County is expected this weekend into early next week due to swells generated by Lowell.
- Category 4 Hurricane Karina is tracking separately — approximately 1,195–1,500 miles east of Hilo — and is expected to turn northeast and weaken, posing a lower threat to the islands.
- Both storms arrive less than a month after Tropical Storm Lala affected the state, adding to a notably active hurricane season.
- Maui Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with state, private, and nonprofit partners to prepare for possible storm impacts.
- NWS emphasized large model spread and above-average uncertainty in predicting exactly how far north Lowell will turn, and residents are urged to monitor the latest forecast updates.
Sources
- Maui County: County of Maui officials encourage preparedness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina
- Mauirecovers: News: County of Maui officials encourage preparedness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina
- Hawaii News Now: First Alert Forecast: Lowell is south of the islands as a powerful hurricane; when will it turn
- Maui Now: County of Maui officials encourage preparedness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina
- Maui Now: Category 4 Hurricane Lowell to remain a powerful hurricane for the next several days
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