A rare hurricane warning is in effect Kauai and Niihau as the storm’s projected path ekes closer to the state.

Kauai has been told to brace for damaging winds, flooding rain and dangerous surf as Hurricane Lowell approaches.

As the hurricane moved closer, the Hawaiian island of Kauai’s annual marathon was canceled. Some residents went ahead with their holiday weekend plans.

Hurricane Lowell track has nudged east, raising chances for near hurricane-force gusts on Kauai, as well as heavy rain across the Hawaiian Islands.

Forecasters warn Lowell could be near major hurricane strength as it moves close to the western Hawaiian Islands next week.

Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches for Kauai, with a possible maximum total of 16 inches. On the Big Island, 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected, with isolated totals of 12 inches possible.

The strongest of these Central and Eastern Pacific hurricanes is Lowell, which peaked twice as a Category 5 storm over the Labor Day weekend and was expected to pass just west of Kauai and Niihau on Monday night, forcing a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch for Kauai County and a tropical storm watch for Oahu (see below).

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. LIHUE, Kauai (KHON2) -- Kauaʻi is making final preparations for Hurricane Lowell as the powerful storm begins its shift towards Hawaiʻi, with officials warning residents that even a ...