Three hurricanes are active in the Pacific Ocean as Labor Day weekend approaches. Hurricane Lowell is maintaining its status as a major Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds between 130 and 156 mph that could lead to severe damage. In the Saffir-Simpson scale, this intensity categorizes a storm capable of catastrophic consequences.
Hurricane Karina also holds a Category 4 strength, though its intensity is slowly decreasing. Hurricane Marie is predicted to strengthen further before any decrease in its power later during the weekend.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), these hurricanes have not prompted any coast watches or warnings for the U.S. mainland as of the latest updates. However, swells from Lowell and Marie could lead to dangerous conditions affecting Hawaii, parts of Mexico, and Southern California.
Lowell’s Impact and Predictions
The latest advisories from Wednesday night rank Hurricane Lowell as the strongest of the current storms. Located about 440 miles south of Hilo, Hawaii, Lowell has maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. Reports indicate that Lowell has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, expected to maintain major hurricane status.
A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft confirmed the increase in strength.
Lowell is moving west at 10 mph, projected to continue on a westward path while slowing down gradually.
Karina Remains Powerful
As reported by the NHC, Hurricane Karina is situated approximately 1,325 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, with sustained winds at 130 mph, still within the Category 4 range. Its trajectory is west-northwest at 10 mph.
The NHC forecasts a gradual decrease in strength, though Karina will remain a hurricane through the weekend.
Marie Strengthening
Hurricane Marie evolved into a hurricane on Wednesday evening in the eastern Pacific. It is centered roughly 375 miles southwest of Baja California’s southern tip, with winds at 80 mph, classifying it as a Category 1 hurricane. Marie’s course is west-northwest at 10 mph, with predictions of further strengthening until Friday.
Marie is expected to stay offshore, yet its effects might be felt along coastlines due to swells.
Swells generated by Marie will affect southwest Mexico and Baja California Peninsula, likely spreading to Southern California over the weekend.
Implications for the U.S.
For residents of the U.S., the primary concern from these hurricanes is linked to dangerous oceanic conditions rather than direct landfall.
Lowell’s swells may impact Hawaii, causing life-threatening surf and rip currents around the islands. Marie’s swells are anticipated to reach Southern California later during the holiday weekend, raising risks for beachgoers despite the storm staying offshore.
The NHC states Karina poses the least risk, with no current land hazards.
The concurrency of three active hurricanes in the Pacific basin is a rare occurrence. They’re not expected to directly hit the U.S., yet monitoring continues as they may affect ocean conditions.
Residents and visitors in Hawaii and Southern California are advised to stay alert to local forecasts and beach hazard statements due to potential surf and rip current developments.