Multiple Pacific Hurricanes Bring High Surf and Rip Current Risks to Hawaii and Southern California
• Three tropical systems—Hurricane Lowell, Tropical Storm Karina, and Hurricane Marie—are currently active in the Pacific Ocean, causing significant weather impacts in Hawaii and Southern California.
• Hurricane Lowell, a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h), is located over 600 miles south-southwest of Honolulu and is expected to pass west of the Hawaiian Islands early next week.
Impact & Risks
Hurricane Lowell is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with 4-6 inches (102-152 mm) of rain forecast for Kauai and the Big Island, and isolated amounts up to 10 inches (254 mm) in higher elevations. This could lead to flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain. High surf, with waves up to 12 feet (3.6 meters), is already affecting Hawaii's south and southeast-facing shores. Tropical Storm Karina is contributing to rough surf on Hawaii's east-facing shores, with a High Surf Advisory in effect through Sunday. In Southern California, Hurricane Marie is generating dangerous rip currents and rough surf, posing a high risk to beachgoers over the Labor Day weekend.
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