Hurricane Warning issued for Kauaʻi County; Rain from Lowell spreading over Kauaʻi and Oʻahu

(Update: 8 a.m., Monday, Sept. 7, 2026) A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as well as the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Oʻahu as Lowell moves on a path NNE and has picked up speed to 14 mph. The National Weather Service says it expects conditions to deteriorate this afternoon.

Rainbands from Lowell began impacting the western islands overnight, spreading over Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.

At 8 a.m., the center of Hurricane Lowell was located about 325 miles SSW of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi and 355 miles SW of Honolulu, Oʻahu. A north-northeastward to northward motion at a faster forward speed is forecast through Tuesday.

“On the forecast track, the core of Lowell is expected to pass near or just west of Niʻihau tonight and early Tuesday. Lowell is then forecast to turn toward the northwest and slow down by early Wednesday after passing the Hawaiian Islands,” the NWS reports.

Lowell has maintained its category 3 strength with Maximum sustained winds remaining near 115 mph with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is expected through Tuesday; however, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands, the NWS reports.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 950 mb (28.06 inches).

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in Kauaʻi County beginning this 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. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Oʻahu beginning this afternoon. Hurricane conditions are expected in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument between Nihoa and French Frigate Shoals tonight, with tropical storm conditions beginning this afternoon.

RAINFALL: Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches for Kauaʻi, with maximum totals of 16 inches possible. For the Big Island, 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected with isolated totals of 12 inches possible. For Oʻahu and Maui county, 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected with isolated totals of 10 inches possible. This rainfall may produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially across Kauai county and portions of the Big Island.

STORM SURGE: 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 (2-4 ft), with the highest expected values along the south coast of Kauaʻi and the island of Niʻihau; 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.

TORNADOES: Several tornadoes are possible near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau this afternoon through tonight. A few tornadoes are also possible across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands.

SURF: 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.

Interests elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should continue to monitor future forecasts on the progress of Lowell.