Hawaii Braces for Hurricane Lowell

Hawaii is under a state of emergency as Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds, moves towards the islands. Forecasters predict it will arrive as a Category 2 hurricane, potentially passing near Ni'ihau and Kauai between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. This event is the third hurricane threat to Hawaii in just over three weeks, a rare occurrence in the central Pacific.

This intensifying storm activity coincides with an unusually active hurricane season. Notably, Hurricanes Karina, Lowell, and Marie were simultaneously active in the Pacific, a phenomenon not seen in a decade. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring a fourth potential system. These events are occurring amid a record-setting El Niño, which is contributing to the heightened intensity and frequency of global weather events, raising concerns about the planet being in a "danger zone of extreme weather."

While Lowell's projected path may keep its most dangerous winds offshore, Hawaii can still expect heavy rain, high surf, and hazardous coastal conditions. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Kauai and Ni'ihau. This follows recent impacts from Tropical Storm Moke and Hurricane Lala, the latter causing at least $43 million in infrastructure damage on the Big Island and $4.6 million to homes.