Hawaii Watches Hurricane Lowell for a Sudden Northward Turn

While it was the eastern Hawaiian Islands that were impacted by last month's tropical activity, it will be the westernmost part of the region that is forecast to be under the wrath of Hurricane Lowell. Read on for what residents and tourists in the Aloha State should prepare for in the days ahead.

Kauai Braces for Impacts of Major Hurricane Lowell

The Pacific basin is alive with activity this week, with three hurricanes spinning as of late Thursday. All eyes are now on Hurricane Lowell as it barrels toward the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The latest update from the National Hurricane Center lists Lowell as a major category 4 storm moving to the

The updated forecast models signal that Lowell will make a turn to the right, sending it on a west to northwest course as it churns hundreds of miles to the south of Hawaii. The feature is expected to find a dramatic shift in the steering winds early this weekend, sending it to the north and closer to the island chain. When this turn happens and how sharply it curves to the northeast will determine how much Hawaii feels its presence.

Lowell is a large storm in size, meaning that Hawaii may feel the impacts even if the eye of the storm remains well out to sea. The NHC predicts that Lowell will continue to feed on the favorable conditions in this part of the Pacific through early next week. These ingredients will keep Lowell a strong hurricane as inches closer to Hawaii.

The western edge of the islands, including the popular tourist destination of Kauai, is likely to feel the brunt of the impacts. Heavy rain and high winds are expected to batter the island, beginning late Saturday and lingering through at least Tuesday.

While the rest of the islands are forecast to dodge the worst of the rain and wind, rough surf, strong rip currents, and sneaker waves will present hazards for the south-facing beaches across the chain. This means that just because the weather is clear to the naked eye, dangers could be lurking in the seas.