Three Hurricanes in the Pacific: What It Means for California and Hawaii

The Pacific Ocean is unusually active this weekend with three tropical systems spinning at once. Hurricane Marie, currently a Category 1 storm, is weakening over open water but its moisture plume is bringing rain to Southern California and Nevada. Coastal flood advisories have been issued for parts of Southern California as the system pushes ashore. For Sacramento listeners, this storm is unlikely to bring significant rain to our region, but it’s a reminder of how far-reaching these systems can be.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Lowell has rapidly intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 125 mph. It’s tracking toward the western Hawaiian islands, and a hurricane warning is in effect for Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals. Tropical storm warnings have also been posted for Kauai and Niihau. Even if the center remains offshore, forecasters warn of damaging winds, heavy rain, and life-threatening storm surge for those islands. Tropical Storm Karina, the third system, is weakening and staying north of Hawaii, posing little threat.

This kind of simultaneous activity highlights how dynamic the Pacific can be. From moisture plumes reaching our coast to major hurricanes threatening Hawaii, forecasters are tracking a lot right now. Have you ever experienced hurricane weather in California or Hawaii? What was it like? Let us know in the comments.