Three concurrent Pacific hurricanes approach Hawaii amid El Nino conditions

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On September 3, three concurrent hurricanes—Karina, Lowell, and Marie—churned through the Pacific Ocean, a rare phenomenon scientists attributed to historically strong El Nino conditions. Hurricane Lowell, a Category 4 storm located 450 miles south of Hilo, Hawaii, tracked westward, while Karina moved northwest and Marie formed off the coast of Baja California. Atmospheric scientists noted that elevated sea surface temperatures and a lack of vertical wind shear provided fuel for these storms to intensify. This event followed Hawaii's recent recovery from Hurricane Lala, which brought destructive winds and flash floods to the Big Island last month.

Consequences

Swells from Hurricane Lowell were expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the Hawaiian Islands over the coming days. Additionally, swells generated by Hurricane Marie were projected to impact the southwest coast of Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula before spreading toward southern California.

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