Lowell continues on westward path as a category 4 hurricane, public advised to monitor future forecasts

(Update: 5 p.m. HST Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026)

Hurricane Lowell will approach the western end of the main Hawaiian Islands late Sunday, bringing possible surf, rain, wind and flooding impacts particularly to the western portion of the state. The extent of impacts will be determined by the eventual track of Lowell, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

The NWS provided further insight on the northward turn later this week saying: “The NHC track forecast moves Lowell slowly westward through Friday night with an abrupt northward turn and increase in forward speed on Saturday. While confidence is low whether a direct impact will occur or not, Lowell will likely bring some impacts to the state including storm surge, high surf, wind, and rainfall impacts to portions of Hawaiʻi, particularly as it moves closest to Kauaʻi County Monday night. The extent of these impacts could range from minor to major depending on the eventual path of the storm, and more specifically when the abrupt turn to the north occurs. Regardless, Lowell is forecast to be a category 3 hurricane at its closest proximity.”

Lowell continues on a westward path as a category 4 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center is urging interests in the Hawaiian Islands to monitor the progress of the system and future forecasts.

At 5 p.m. HST, the center of Hurricane Lowell was located about 495 miles SSW of Hilo, and 590 miles S of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi. Lowell is moving toward the west near 9 mph. This general motion with a gradual decrease in forward speed is expected during the next day or two, followed by a turn toward the northwest and north this weekend.

Reports from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph with higher gusts. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next few days; however, Lowell is expected to remain a major hurricane through the weekend.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 943 mb (27.85 inches).

On the water, swells from Lowell are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions during the next several days.

A strong pressure gradient between Hurricane Lowell and a subtropical high will bring windy conditions to the state through Friday, before tapering this weekend. Showers will focus on the windward and mauka areas.

Looking ahead, NWS forecasters say on Tuesday, winds will weaken shift south to southeastly in the wake of Lowell, but lingering shower bands may occur through the day. Karina, which is currently about 1,085 miles E of Hilo, “will weaken to a remnant low and eventually be absorbed into Lowell north of the state midweek. Winds will eventually shift back to trades during the second half of the week with no significant weather events expected,” according to the NWS.