Hawaii on alert as powerful Hurricane Lowell approaches with 120 mph winds, dangerous flooding and possible mudslides; residents told to prepare

Hawaii is bracing for heavy rain, flash flooding and possible mudslides as Hurricane Lowell, a powerful Category 3 storm, moves north toward the islands.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch for Kauai and Niihau on Sunday, with Lowell expected to pass west of the islands late Monday before continuing north.

Authorities have urged residents and tourists to prepare for several days of potentially disruptive weather, including power outages, flooded roads and hazardous coastal conditions.

Hawaii could see up to 14 inches of rain

Lowell was packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kmph) and was located roughly 535 miles (860 km) south-southwest of Lihue and 555 miles (895 km) southwest of Honolulu, according to the NHC.

The hurricane was moving north at around 6 mph (9 kmph).

Forecasters expect 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) of rain across parts of Kauai and Niihau, while isolated locations could receive as much as 14 inches (36 cm).

Hawaii's Big Island is also expected to experience significant rainfall, with totals of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) and isolated amounts reaching 12 inches (30 cm).

The intense rainfall could trigger rapid flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas prone to runoff.

Coastal flooding and powerful winds add to concerns

Lowell's wind field is also extensive. Hurricane-force winds were reaching as far as 50 miles (85 km) from the storm's centre, while tropical-storm-force winds extended up to 175 miles (280 km).

On Kauai, authorities warned that storm surge combined with high tides could push seawater into normally dry coastal areas. Water levels could rise by as much as 3 feet (1 metre) in some locations.

The combination of strong winds, saturated ground and rough seas could also bring down trees and power lines, leaving some communities without electricity.

Kauai residents rush to prepare

The Kauai Emergency Management Agency advised people to complete essential preparations before conditions deteriorate.

Residents were urged to fill vehicle fuel tanks, charge mobile phones and other devices, collect prescription medicines and stock enough food and drinking water to remain at home for several days.

In Lihue, Kauai's main population centre and home to the island's primary airport, shoppers were already buying up essential supplies as supermarket shelves began to thin.

Real estate agent Lori Benkert said she purchased an additional 10-pound (4.5 kg) propane cylinder so she could continue cooking outdoors if the electricity fails.

Benkert, who manages dozens of properties across Kauai, has also boarded up two homes on the island's western side.

“Everybody is probably going just to hunker down,” she said, describing the likelihood of power cuts and falling trees and branches.

Hurricane Marie brings dangerous surf to Mexico and California

Meanwhile, another storm is creating hazardous marine conditions far from Hawaii.

Hurricane Marie, a Category 1 hurricane, was generating dangerous swells along parts of the Mexican coast, the Baja California peninsula and Southern California.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kmph) and was located around 695 miles (1,120 km) south-southwest of San Diego. It was moving northwest at about 7 mph (11 kmph).

No coastal watches or warnings were in force for the areas affected by Marie. However, the NHC said large swells from the hurricane were expected to continue reaching parts of southwest Mexico, Baja California and Southern California over the next several days.

Life-threatening rip currents possible

The incoming swells could produce dangerous surf and strong rip currents, creating a serious risk for swimmers, surfers and others near the shoreline.

Beachgoers along affected stretches of coast have been urged to exercise caution and follow local safety instructions, even where no formal tropical storm or hurricane warning has been issued.

With Lowell approaching Hawaii and Marie affecting coastal waters farther east, forecasters are closely tracking both systems as residents prepare for potentially hazardous weather and marine conditions.