Hurricane Lowell turns north toward Hawaii, tropical storm conditions expected on Kauai

Hurricane Lowell is turning north toward Hawaii as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, with tropical storm conditions expected to reach Kauai and Niihau by Monday afternoon or evening.

The National Weather Service said Sunday that Lowell had maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, with higher gusts. The hurricane was located about 880 kilometres south-southwest of Lihue and was moving north at about 9 km/h.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Kauai County, including Kauai and Niihau. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals.

Forecasters expect Lowell to accelerate while moving north to north-northeast through Tuesday. The centre of the hurricane is expected to pass across portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, just west of the main Hawaiian Islands, Monday night.

Lowell is expected to gradually weaken beginning Sunday night but is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near Hawaii.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 85 kilometres from the centre, while tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 280 kilometres.

Heavy rain and flooding possible

Forecasters are warning of significant rainfall, particularly on Kauai.

The island could receive 150 to 250 millimetres of rain. The rainfall could trigger significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially on Kauai and parts of the Big Island.

Storm surge could also produce coastal flooding. Forecasters said water could reach one to three feet above ground in parts of Kauai County and up to one foot on Oahu, depending on the timing of the surge and tides.

Tornadoes and dangerous surf possible

Several tornadoes are possible near Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon into Monday night, with a few tornadoes also possible elsewhere across the Hawaiian Islands.

Large swells generated by Lowell are also expected to create life-threatening surf and rip-current conditions around many of the islands over the next several days.

Residents and visitors in affected areas are being urged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities as Lowell approaches.

The hurricane was packing minimum central pressure of 948 millibars, according to data collected by an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft.