Multiple sources including Maui County, Maui News, Maui Now, and Mauirecovers reported Thursday that Maui County is simultaneously managing damage from Tropical Storm Lala while bracing for potential impacts from hurricanes Lowell and Karina. Forecasters warn that interacting storm systems are creating higher-than-normal forecast uncertainty, and residents and property owners are urged to stay alert and prepared.
- Hurricane Lowell was a Category 4 storm approximately 450–495 miles south of Hilo as of Thursday, with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph.
- Lowell is expected to turn north Saturday night and approach Kauai as a Category 3 hurricane by Monday, with potential impacts including storm surge, high surf, wind, and rainfall across the Hawaiian Islands.
- NWS confidence is low on whether a direct hit will occur; impacts could range from minor to major depending on the storm’s exact track, particularly the timing of its northward turn.
- Outer rainbands from Lowell could bring lingering rain to Maui starting Sunday into early next week; rainfall forecasts will become clearer within 24–48 hours.
- A Wind Advisory is in effect for portions of Maui County through 6 a.m. Friday with gusts up to 55 mph; a High Surf Advisory is in effect for south- and southeast-facing shores.
- Ground already saturated from Tropical Storm Lala means even light to moderate rain and wind could cause flooding, debris, downed trees, road issues, and power outages, per Mayor Richard Bissen.
- Hurricane Karina is a Category 3 storm about 1,135 miles east of Hilo and is expected to weaken as it moves westward, staying well northeast of Hawaii.
- Hurricane Marie is active near Baja California and is not expected to pose a threat to Hawaii. (Maui News)
- Gov. Josh Green signed a statewide emergency proclamation to allow faster mobilization of personnel, equipment, and resources for storms Lowell, Karina, Marie, and any additional systems. (Maui News)
- NWS has emphasized that multiple interacting weather systems are increasing forecast uncertainty this season, which has been classified as above normal for hurricane activity.
Sources
- Maui County: County of Maui continues to prepare, encourages readiness ahead of hurricanes
- Maui News: Maui County prepares for possible hurricane impacts
- Maui Now: Lowell continues on westward path as a category 4 hurricane, public advised to monitor future forecasts
- Maui Now: County of Maui continues to prepare, encourages readiness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina
- Mauirecovers: News: County of Maui continues to prepare, encourages readiness ahead of hurricanes
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