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

Powerful Hurricane Lowell is barreling toward Hawaii and is expected to make a dangerously close pass by the state’s western islands as heavy rain associated with the Category 3 hurricane has already triggered flash flooding on Oahu and damaging surf is pounding Hawaii’s southern shores.

Hurricane Lowell remains a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds as it tracks north toward the western Hawaiian Islands. A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Kauai County.

A monster hurricane threatening nearly one million Americans has sparked panic buying, emptying shelves and sending drivers scrambling for gas.

Category 3 Hurricane Lowell continues on a path due north with tropical storm conditions expected on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau by late Monday. At 2 p.m., the eye of Hurricane Lowell was located about 535 miles SSW of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi and 55 miles SW of Honolulu, Oʻahu. Lowell is moving toward the north near 6 mph.

Hurricane Lowell has weakened to a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds as it turns north toward the western Hawaiian Islands.