Hurricane Lowell, a powerful Category 3 storm with winds of 115 mph, is approaching western Hawaii and has prompted a hurricane warning for Kauai and Niihau. 

The storm is expected to pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands Monday night while gradually weakening, although forecasters expect it to remain a hurricane as it moves past the islands.

Lowell could bring 6 to 10 inches of rain to Kauai, with locally higher amounts, raising the risk of dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The storm could also produce a storm surge of up to 4 feet in Kauai County, dangerous surf and rip currents, and possibly tornadoes near Kauai and Niihau, CBS News has reported.

Officials are warning residents to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions as Lowell moves through the region, with additional heavy rainfall and strong winds expected across several Hawaiian islands.