City remains vigilant as Hurricane Lowell moves farther west of O‘ahu
HONOLULU – As Oʻahu heads into the Labor Day weekend, the City and County of Honolulu continues to closely monitor Hurricane Lowell, with the latest forecast remaining increasingly encouraging for Oʻahu while the focus shifts toward the western end of the state.
Hurricane Lowell remains an extremely powerful hurricane well south of the Hawaiian Islands. The storm is expected to continue generally westward before making a sharp turn toward the north or north-northeast this weekend.
The current forecast keeps Lowell well west of Oʻahu as it makes that turn. Forecasters continue to indicate that the greatest potential for significant impacts is focused on the western Hawaiian Islands, particularly Kauaʻi County.
“We feel much better about where things stand for Oʻahu heading into this weekend, but we are going to stay vigilant until Lowell makes that turn and moves away from us,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We have been asking people all week to pay attention, be prepared, and not panic, and that remains our message tonight. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, but don’t completely tune this out. Check the forecast every once in a while, listen to our local weathercasters and news stations, and know what is happening. Things can change, and we will continue watching it very closely.”
The City remains in a heightened state of readiness and will continue monitoring Lowell throughout the holiday weekend. The Department of Emergency Management remains in communication with federal, state, and county partners, and City departments are prepared to respond should conditions change.
The City is also prepared to support our neighbors on Kauaʻi if assistance is needed.
While the threat of direct impacts to Oʻahu has continued to decrease, Lowell could still bring rain and dangerous ocean conditions to the island. Residents should not interpret an improving track as meaning there will be no effects from the storm.
Swells generated by Lowell are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across portions of the Hawaiian Islands during the next several days and are likely to increase early next week.
With beaches expected to be busy this holiday weekend, Honolulu Ocean Safety is asking residents and visitors to know what to expect before they go.
Large surf can be dangerous even for experienced ocean users. Never turn your back on the ocean, stay away from dangerous shorebreak and rocks, and follow all warnings and instructions from Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards. Keep children and inexperienced swimmers out of hazardous conditions.
When in doubt, stay out.
Residents should also remember that dangerous ocean conditions can exist even when the weather at the beach looks beautiful.
If you have already checked hurricane supplies and made preparations this week, there is no need to do anything extraordinary. Keep what you have ready and stay informed. If you have not checked your supplies, the long weekend is a good opportunity to make sure you have the basics on hand for hurricane season.
The City is not asking residents to cancel plans or spend the weekend worrying about Lowell. We ask everyone to stay aware.
Get information from reliable sources, including the City and County of Honolulu, the National Weather Service, local weathercasters, and trusted news organizations. Sign up for HNL Alert at hnlalert.gov to receive emergency notifications.
Hurricane season continues through November 30, and September is National Preparedness Month. Visit honolulu.gov/dem for hurricane preparedness information.
Unless conditions warrant an earlier update, the City will continue monitoring Lowell throughout the holiday weekend and provide additional information as necessary.
—PAU—
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