Lowell moving north-northeast and approaching the western Hawaiian Islands

(11:22 p.m. HST Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026) Hurricane Lowell continues its advance toward the western Hawaiian Islands with maximum sustained winds between 110 and 115 mph. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau; and a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Oʻahu.

At 11 a.m. HST, the center of Hurricane Lowell was located about 275 miles SW of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi and 310 miles SW of Honolulu, Oʻahu. The system have picked up speed and is moving toward the NNE near 17 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

“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.

An 11:06 a.m. update shows maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 110 mph (category 2 hurricane) with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is expected through Tuesday. However, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Līhuʻe Airport on Kauaʻi recently reported sustained winds
of 33 mph with a gust to 44 mph, according to the NWS. The estimated minimum central pressure is 955 mb (28.20 inches) based on Air Force Hurricane Hunter data.

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, according to the NWS. Tropical storm conditions are expected on Oʻahu beginning this afternoon or evening. 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 Kauaʻi County and portions of the Big Island, according to the NWS.

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; 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, according to the NWS.

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

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.

NWS Situation Overview:

“Hurricane Lowell will bring damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall, and extremely dangerous and damaging surf to portions of the Hawaiian Islands into Tuesday morning. While the center of Lowell is currently forecast to pass just west Niʻihau overnight, recent adjustments to the track forecast mean that the center of the hurricane will be closer to the islands and increase the threat of strong and damaging winds,” according to the NWS.

“East to southeasterly winds will gradually strengthen through the day over the western half of the Hawaiian Islands. Damaging tropical storm force winds could develop as early as late this afternoon across Kauaʻi County and early this evening on Oʻahu. Hurricane conditions are expected over portions of Kauaʻi County overnight, with the highest probability of hurricane force winds occurring on Niʻihau as winds shift out of the south. It is important to note that winds can be accelerated over and downwind of terrain, leading to areas of hurricane force wind gusts.”

“A broad shield of deep tropical moisture surrounding Lowell will continue to spread over all Hawaiian islands today, increasing the threat of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms. Heavy downpours could lead to flash flooding and/or mudslides, especially in steep terrain,” according to the NWS.

“Rainbands could become persistent and anchored in some areas, exacerbating the flash flood threat. The risk of flash flooding and mudslides is greatest for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, but also exists for all other islands due to the extent of the moisture associated with Lowell. Over 15 inches of rain is possible over portions of Kauaʻi, mainly over the interior mountains. A foot or more is possible over southeast Big Island.”

“An extremely large south to southwest will rapidly build today and peak tonight over portions of Hawaiian waters. A High Surf Warning is in effect for south-facing shores of all islands and for west- facing shores of the Big Island. Dangerously large and damaging surf and coastal inundation are expected along the immediate coast of exposed south- and west-facing shores, particularly on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, and possibly Oʻahu. The highest surf may reach 20 to 30 feet on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau tonight, then rapidly diminish on Tuesday. Extra large surf, on top of 1 to 4 feet of storm surge and peak afternoon high tides, will generate major wave run-up and coastal inundation along exposed low lying areas of south- and west-facing shores, particularly for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, and possibly for Oʻahu.”

“This afternoon, conditions will become favorable for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell, especially near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. This threat will continue into tonight, then diminish quickly Tuesday morning,” the NWS reports.