Category 4 Hurricane Threat

Powerful Category 4 Hurricane Lowell Approaches Hawaii as State of Emergency Declared

Hawaii is under a state of emergency due to Hurricane Lowell, which is expected to hit its western islands on Monday. This is the third storm in as many weeks to threaten the state as El Niño supercharges the Pacific hurricane season. The hurricane, which was a Category 4 with winds of up to 150 mph, is forecast to be near Category 4 strength when it approaches the westernmost islands of Niihau and Kauai early next week. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a state-of-emergency for the entire state on Thursday to free up state resources and activate Hawaii National Guard units. A tropical storm watch has been put into effect in Kauai County, with officials warning of life-threatening surf and strong currents along its shores. The county has begun clearing drainage systems and staging equipment in flood-prone areas, with rainfall up to more than 10 inches expected throughout the week.

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