Category 3 Hurricane Lowell expected to bring tropical storm conditions to Kauaʻi and Niʻihau by late Monday

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.

A northward to north-northeastward motion at a faster forward speed is forecasted through Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Lowell will move across portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, just west of the main Hawaiian Islands, on Monday night. Lowell is then forecast to turn toward the northwest and slow down by early Wednesday after passing the Hawaiian Islands, according to the National Weather Service.

Aircraft data indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 120 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected for the remainder of the day, but weakening is forecast to begin later tonight. However, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in Kauaʻi County by Monday afternoon or evening. Wind speeds atop and on the windward and leeward sides of hills and mountains are often up to 30% stronger than the near-surface winds, and wind gusts to hurricane force are possible.

Hurricane conditions are expected in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument between Nihoa and French Frigate Shoals Monday night, with tropical storm conditions beginning Monday afternoon.

Lowell is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches for Kauaʻi, with maximum totals of 14 inches possible. For the Big Island, 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected with isolated totals of 12 inches possible. For Maui, 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches possible. Across the remaining islands, rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is possible. This rainfall may produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially across Kauaʻi County and portions of the Big Island.

The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: Kauaʻi County (1-3 ft); and Oʻahu (up to 1 ft).

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the center, where the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

Several tornadoes are possible near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau Monday afternoon through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service. A few tornadoes are also possible across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands, the NWS reports.

Swells from Lowell are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions during the next several days across many of the Hawaiian islands.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau,

Travel Advisory 9/6/26:  The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reminds travelers that airlines may be cancelling flights Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7 in advance of Hurricane Lowell. Airports will remain open unless unsafe conditions arise. Travelers with flight reservations today or tomorrow should check with their airline on the status of their flight prior to heading to the airport.