Warnings in place as Hurricane Lowell bears down on Hawai'i

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Oahu, Hawai'i, as category 3 hurricane Lowell bears down on the state. An advisory from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued at 8am Monday Hawai'i time (6am Tuesday NZT) said conditions are expected to deteriorate in the afternoon. A hurricane warning is in effect for Kauai County, including the islands of Kauai and Niihau and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals. The NOAA said on the forecast track, the core of Lowell is expected to pass near or just west of Niihau on Monday night and early Tuesday. "Gradual weakening is expected through Tuesday. However, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands," the statement said. "Lowell is then forecast to turn toward the northwest and slow down by early Wednesday after passing the Hawaiian Islands." It said additional rainfall may produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially across Kauai county and portions of the Big Island. Several tornadoes are possible near Kauai and Niihau on Monday afternoon and evening, and a few tornadoes are also possible across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands.