Hurricane Lowell has put the western end of the Hawaiian Islands under a hurricane warning on Labor Day as it rapidly approaches with high winds, heavy rain, dangerous surf, and possible tornadoes.
"Flash flooding, damaging waves, and high winds are expected from Lowell," the National Hurricane Center warned in a late afternoon update on Sept. 7. The National Hurricane Center noted in its 8 p.m. ET advisory that conditions were deteriorating for the islands of Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu.
Lowell's center is not forecast to make a direct landfall on the main Hawaiian Islands as it passes on Sept. 7 and 8. Still, the threats have increased for the islands of Niihau and Kauai because the storm's forecast track has shifted steadily eastward, the National Hurricane Center said.
The hurricane warning – meaning hurricane conditions are expected within the watch area – is in effect for Kauai County, including the islands of Niihau and Kauai. A tropical storm warning – meaning tropical storm conditions are expected within the watch area – is in effect for Oahu, the most populated Hawaiian Island.