Flash flooding threat remains in the Hawaiian Islands due to Lowell; Kauaʻi damage assessments underway

(11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026) A flash flooding threat remains in the Hawaiian Islands due to ongoing impacts from Hurricane Lowell, which continues to move away from Kauaʻi County today.

At 11 a.m., the center of Hurricane Lowell was located about 230 miles NNW of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, near latitude 25.1 North, longitude 160.8 West. Lowell is moving toward the north near 15 mph. This general motion is forecast through today, taking the core of Lowell farther from Kauaʻi County. Lowell is then forecast to turn toward the northwest and west and slow down on Wednesday and Thursday after passing the main Hawaiian Islands.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 75 mph with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next few days. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 979 mb (28.91 inches).

RAINFALL: Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches for Kauaʻi, with maximum storm totals of 24 inches possible. For the Big Island, an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain is expected with isolated storm totals of 8 inches possible. For Oʻahu and Maui counties, an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected with isolated storm totals of 8 inches possible. This may produce areas of flooding for urban and low-lying regions, with significant flash flooding and mudslides possible across portions of the Big Island.

SURF: Swells from Lowell will continue to generate life-threatening surf and rip current conditions during the next few days across many of the Hawaiian Islands.

9:45 a.m., Sept. 8, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update; Refuse transfer stations, refuse collection service suspended

LĪHUʻE – All refuse transfer stations and all refuse collection services are suspended until further notice due to numerous road closures and to allow road and highway crews to assess and clear roadways.

The Kekaha Landfill is open for residents only. However, please stay off the roads if debris blocks your access to the landfill. 

The Hurricane Warning has been canceled. A Flood Watch and a High Surf Warning remain in effect for the island. 

Hurricane Lowell brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and high surf to Kauaʻi overnight, passing west of the island early Tuesday. Widespread power outages, downed trees, and debris have been reported islandwide, along with damage from wind and coastal surge.

Stay off the roads

The public is urged to stay indoors and keep off roads to allow crews to assess damage, clear debris, and restore power and services safely.

Do not drive through flooded roadways or around barricades, and stay away from downed power lines.

Document damage

Residents are urged to closely document damage to their homes and property.

A damage assessment form is available through the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency website at  bit.ly/kauaidamage

The information provided will help the County of Kauaʻi understand the scope of residential damage and impacts to our community. Damage reports may be used to determine whether our jurisdiction qualifies for state or federal assistance. Affected parties still need to file claims with their insurance companies for residential damage and personal property losses.

Residents can also notify authorities about public hazards at: bit.ly/kauaihazard. This form is for reporting non-life-threatening roadway and public space flood damage and hazards.

Businesses can notify authorities about public hazards at: bit.ly/lowelldamage.

Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative

Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is reporting 90% of its 36,000-plus customers is without power as of 6:40 a.m. KIUC crews will prioritize damage assessments today in order to develop a restoration plan. Members without power should expect prolonged outages. More information will be provided later today regarding the extent of the damage and restoration estimates. Please stay clear of downed lines and report any that pose an immediate danger to 9-1-1.

• Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts
• Outage Center and FAQs: https://kiuc.coop/outage-center

The Kauaʻi Department of Water

The Kauaʻi Department of Water has issued an islandwide conservation notice. Customers are asked to limit water use to essential needs while crews work to maintain service during power outages. Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400, or visit kauaiwater.org.

• Power outages can affect pumps and wells. Water service may be interrupted or pressure may drop, even if your home is not damaged.
• Use water sparingly while storm response and utility repairs are ongoing.
• Do not use water you suspect has been contaminated by flooding.
• Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400.
• Updates will be posted at kauaiwater.org and on DOW’s social media channels.

Road Closures

Numerous roads are closed islandwide due to storm-related debris and damage, including portions of Kaumualiʻi Highway and Kūhiō Highway. Closures include:

• Kūhiō Highway at the Hanalei Bridge
• Kaumualiʻi Highway between the Kala Road junctions and Akialoa Road
• Māluhia Road at Kaumualiʻi Highway

Additional closures are expected as the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation and County Public Works crews assess and clear roadways. Debris has been reported islandwide. Road and closure conditions are available at 808-241-1725.

Refuge Areas

As of 6:30 a.m., 301 people and 38 pets are being sheltered at the County’s five open refuge areas:

• Kauaʻi High School Gym, 3577 Lala Road, Līhuʻe
• Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Papalina Road, Kalāheo
• Waimea Canyon Middle School, 9555 Huakai Road, Waimea
• Kīlauea Neighborhood Center, 2460 Keneke Street, Kīlauea
• Kapaʻa Middle School, 4867 Olohena Road, Kapaʻa

Refuge areas remain open. Anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply go-kit, medications, and important documents. Household pets are welcome, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages. Do not travel to a refuge area if conditions are unsafe.

Facility Closures

• All refuse transfer stations and all refuse collection services are suspended until further notice due to numerous road closures. The Kekaha Landfill is open for residents only. However, please stay off the roads if debris blocks your access to the landfill. 
• All County, State, and Department of Education offices and schools are closed Tuesday, Sept. 8.
• Līhuʻe Airport closed at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, until further notice, according to the state Department of Transportation. Runway and facility inspections are required before flights resume. Travelers should contact their airlines directly.
• Refuse collection service is suspended until further notice.
• The Kauaʻi Bus suspended service due to safety concerns. Buses had been supporting transportation to refuge areas.
• All County parks, campgrounds, and the Wailua Golf Course are closed until further notice.
• All Department of Land and Natural Resources state parks and state forest reserves are closed until further notice.
• The Pacific Missile Range Facility has closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
• The state Department of Health has issued an islandwide brown water advisory for Kauaʻi. Stay out of floodwaters and ocean water near stream mouths, drainage outlets, and harbors, which may contain sewage, animal waste, chemicals, and debris.
• The Ocean Safety Bureau advises no swimming or outdoor recreational activities until further notice.

Other important numbers and resources

To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:

• Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
• National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
• Kauaʻi Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org
• Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725

Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.