Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii Islands

Hurricane Lowell, currently a Category 4 storm, is projected to follow a path similar to Hurricane Iniki of 1992, approaching the western Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii's Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency on Thursday evening in anticipation of potential impacts.

Even without making landfall, Lowell's large size means it could generate hurricane-force winds extending 60 miles from its center and tropical storm-force winds up to 160 miles. Meteorologists forecast strong winds and rain across parts of Hawaii, with potential for flash flooding and mudslides on western islands.

Showers and thunderstorms associated with Lowell are expected to move northward, bringing torrential downpours and squalls. Localized flash flooding is possible on Oahu, including Honolulu, and the Big Island. The storm is also producing large swells that will impact the south-facing shorelines of the islands starting Saturday, posing dangers to swimmers and small craft.