6th Sep05:35 BSTWatches now issuedThe National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for Kauai County and a hurricane watch for portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument late Saturday.Lowell is expected to be "near major hurricane strength when it makes its closest approach to the Hawaiian Islands," the hurricane center said. A major hurricane has winds of at least 111 mph; Category 3, 4 and 5 storms are classified as major hurricanes."Any deviation eastward from its forecast track could bring more severe wind impacts, especially to Kauai County," the National Weather Service in Honolulu said.6th Sep05:34 BSTCoastal flooding expected on MondayForecasters are warning that storm surge from Lowell could combine with high tides to push seawater into normally dry coastal areas.In parts of Kauai, water could reach one to three feet above ground level if peak storm surge coincides with high tide.The greatest threat is expected along the immediate coast near and to the right of the storm's centre, where surge could combine with large and destructive waves.6th Sep04:12 BSTMayor Kawakami delivers updateMayor Derek Kawakami has been updated residents ahead of a possible threat from the hurricane.He has urged people not to be "complacent" and that a major storm could be on the way.He added: We are expecting heavy rain and strong winds, especially in downslope areas, and conditions can change quickly. Please continue to secure your homes and yards, check your emergency supplies, and make sure you and your ʻohana are ready."Most importantly, take care of one another and help where you can. If you are feeling anxious or need someone to talk to, Hawai‘i Cares is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 988 by call or text. You do not have to go through it alone."(Image: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency)6th Sep04:09 BSTHurricane path still unknownThe forecast has become more consistent, but there is still uncertainty about exactly how close Lowell will come to Hawaii.Forecasters say the precise location and timing of the storm's northward turn will determine how close it comes to Kauai.A relatively small change in the track could mean a significant difference in the strength of the winds and rainfall experienced on the islands.6th Sep02:28 BSTWatches likely to be issuedOfficials in Hawaii are warning residents on Kauai and Niihau to finish their preparations, with hurricane or tropical-storm watches likely to be issued later today.A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the area, typically within 48 hours.Locals should use this time to prepare, monitor updates and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said watches will likely be required for Kauai County and parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.6th Sep02:03 BSTHurricane begins turning towards HawaiiHurricane Lowell has begun the expected turn towards the western Hawaiian Islands, with the powerful Category 4 storm now moving west-northwest.The hurricane is expected to turn north later today before moving north-northeast with increasing speed on Sunday and Monday.Forecasters currently expect the centre of Lowell to pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday night.6th Sep00:24 BSTClose approach expected on MondayThe current forecast has Lowell passing west of the main Hawaiian Islands, with the closest approach expected Monday night.The storm is expected to accelerate as it turns north and north-northeast.Forecasters will continue to refine the track as the hurricane gets closer to Hawaii.5th Sep23:33 BSTWhy a state of emergency has been declaredHawaii has declared a state of emergency over the weekend as powerful Hurricane Lowell approaches the islands, with two other tropical systems also being monitored in the Pacific.Governor Josh Green's emergency proclamation covers Hurricane Lowell, Hurricane Karina, Tropical Storm Marie and any additional storms that could affect Hawaii.The declaration allows state and county agencies to rapidly mobilise personnel, equipment and money, while also allowing the Hawaii National Guard to be activated if needed.Six high-water vehicles have already been sent to Kauai, which is considered the area at greatest risk from Lowell.The proclamation does not mean evacuations have been ordered. There is currently no statewide curfew, school closure or evacuation order as a result of the declaration.Hurricane Lowell remains the main concern. Depending on its eventual track, Kauai and Niihau could experience dangerous winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall and life-threatening surf.Hurricane Karina is also moving across the central Pacific but is expected to pass north of Hawaii and weaken.Tropical Storm Marie is further away and is not currently expected to directly threaten the islands.Officials are nevertheless preparing for an unusually active period of weather, with heavy rain and dangerous surf possible across much of Hawaii.5th Sep23:31 BSTGovernor Josh Green orders emergency measuresHawaii officials are continuing preparations ahead of Lowell's approach.Governor Josh Green has said the state is taking the hurricane "extremely seriously", with state, county and federal agencies positioning personnel, equipment and other resources in preparation for possible impacts.Kauai and Niihau are the particular focus of preparations.5th Sep23:29 BSTNo direct hit forecastThe latest forecast is for Lowell's centre to pass west of the main Hawaiian Islands rather than directly over them.However, the margin for error remains important.Forecasters say the centre could pass roughly 100 to 200 miles west of Kauai County, and relatively small changes in the track could significantly alter the conditions experienced on the island.5th Sep23:14 BSTCategory 4 storm is fuelled by El NinoLowell has weakened from its peak Category 5 strength, but it remains a very powerful Category 4 hurricane.It is part of an unusually active spell in the Pacific, with forecasters and scientists pointing to a powerful El Nino as one of the factors helping create favourable conditions for hurricanes.El Nino occurs when waters across the tropical Pacific become unusually warm. This year's event is particularly strong, with some forecasts suggesting it could become one of the strongest El Niño events on record.The warmer ocean provides tropical systems with more heat and moisture to draw on, while El Niño can also reduce vertical wind shear across parts of the Pacific. Lower wind shear makes it easier for thunderstorms around a developing hurricane to remain organised and for storms to strengthen.The latest advisory puts its maximum sustained winds at 150mph, with the storm about 635 miles south-southwest of Lihue on Kauai.Forecasters expect some further weakening as Lowell encounters stronger wind shear and cooler waters, but it is still expected to be a powerful hurricane when it approaches Hawaii.5th Sep23:12 BSTKauai County to be most impacted Kauai County is currently the area of greatest concern as Hurricane Lowell approaches Hawaii.It encompasses the islands of Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, Lehua, and Kaʻula.The National Hurricane Center says watches will likely be required for Kauai County and parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but residents are being urged to closely monitor the storm.5th Sep23:11 BSTHurricane is heading towards HawaiiHurricane Lowell has begun making the turn towards the Hawaiian Islands that forecasters have been watching closely.The storm is now moving west-northwest, with forecasters expecting it to turn sharply north and then north-northeast over the next two days.The latest forecast takes Lowell just west of the main Hawaiian Islands, with its closest approach expected Monday night.5th Sep23:02 BSTWinds of 150mph buildingThe US weather service has reported maximum sustained winds were near 150 mph with higher gusts.The hurricane remains a category 4 with fluctuations possible.5th Sep22:58 BSTState of emergency declaredHawaii Governor Josh Green has declared a statewide emergency to support preparations for potential impacts from the storm.5th Sep22:55 BSTWelcome to the blogHello and welcome to the blog. We will be bringing you the latest from Hawaii as a state of emergency has been declared ahead of the possible arrival of a Category 4 storm.‌