Hawaii is bracing for the potential impacts of Hurricane Lowell, which is forecast to pass close to the state's westernmost islands. Officials have urged residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rainfall and dangerous winds.

Hurricane Lowell was downgraded to a Category 2 storm as of Monday afternoon Eastern Time. The storm is expected to move near the western Hawaiian islands between Monday night and Tuesday morning, with the most significant impacts anticipated between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday local time. A slight eastward shift in the forecast trajectory increases the likelihood of substantial effects for Kauai County, encompassing Kauai and Niihau islands.

In response to the impending threat, public schools on Kauai, County of Kauai offices, and State of Hawaii offices on Kauai are scheduled to close on Tuesday, September 8. Governor Josh Green emphasized the county's vulnerability, stating, "Kauaʻi County is most vulnerable to Hurricane Lowell, and we are not going to take chances with people’s safety."

The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for Kauai County, anticipating hurricane conditions by late Monday. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Oahu, including Honolulu, with tropical storm conditions expected later Monday into the evening. Dangerous surf is forecast for exposed shores of Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu, with a possibility of a few tornadoes on Monday afternoon and night, particularly for Kauai and Niihau.

Significant rainfall is expected, with Kauai potentially receiving 6 to 10 inches and isolated totals of up to 16 inches. The Big Island could see 4 to 8 inches, with possible isolated amounts of 12 inches. This rainfall raises concerns about flash flooding and mudslides, especially in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island.

Wind gusts of up to 74 miles per hour are possible in Kauai County, while Oahu could experience gusts up to 40 miles per hour. Hawaii officials have warned of potential power outages due to high winds and flash flooding.

Officials have advised individuals residing in coastal or low-lying areas to be prepared for possible evacuations. The storm's current strength is slightly reduced compared to earlier forecasts, but its proximity to the islands still poses a significant risk.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is monitoring the situation and coordinating with state and local partners to ensure preparedness and response capabilities are in place.