After churning westward south of the Hawaiian Islands over the past week, Hurricane Lowell has made its predicted turn to the north, drawn by a sagging cold front. Having reached Category 5 strength a few days ago, it has weakened to a Category 3 storm but remains large and powerful.
Though it will likely miss the heavily populated eastern islands of Hawaii, Lowell may have a significant impact on Kauai and Niihau. Indeed, its current heading is NNE, almost assuring that strong winds and high waves will lash those western islands.
Meteorology remains an inexact science and the "cone of uncertainty" for hurricanes is often too narrow. Fortunately, officials in Hawaii have been proactive in this case, declaring a hurricane warning for most of the archipelago.
