Updated at 5 p.m. Sept. 6, 2026.
A hurricane watch has been issued for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau as Lowell is now 500 miles south-southwest of Līhu‘e, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, as of the 5 p.m. Sunday advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
The Category 3 storm has increased in speed from 6 mph to 9 mph. A high surf warning and advisory were issued of portions of the Big Island along with a flood watch. Several beach parks in West Hawai‘i remain closed.
A northward to north-northeastward motion at a faster forward speed is forecast 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.
Tropical storm conditions are expected on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau by late Monday.
Weakening is forecast to begin later tonight into Monday. However, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 60 miles and tropical storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles from Lowell’s center. The storm is expected to gradually weaken Sunday and Monday, but remain a powerful hurricane.
Kauaʻi County should be prepared for the strong possibility of high winds, high surf, heavy rain, storm surge and tornadoes.
High surf warning
A high surf warning is in effect for west-facing shores until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
The south swell from Hurricane Lowell is expected to rise rapidly Monday and peak Monday night, bringing warning-level surf to exposed shorelines. Surf of 6 to 8 feet is expected through Monday morning, rapidly building Monday afternoon and evening to 12 to 16 feet.
High surf advisory
A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. on Tuesday for east-facing shores. Surf of 7 to 10 feet is expected through Monday. This surf is from a medium-period east swell from Tropical Storm Karina.
Flood watch
Courtesy Graphic: National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center website as of 11 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.
A flood watch is in effect for the entire state, with peak rainfall amounts throughout Kauaʻi County expected at 6 to 10 inches, with maximum totals possibly exceeding 14 inches in some locations.
The Big Island is forecast to receive 2 to 6 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals up to 10 inches possible, while Maui is expected to get 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches possible. The rest of the main Hawaiian Islands should see 2 to 4 inches of rain.
Rainfall could produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially on Kauaʻi and portions of the Big Island.
Kauaʻi County
Kauaʻi county should be prepared for the strong possibility of high winds, high surf, heavy rain, storm surge and tornadoes.
A tropical storm warning is in effect until further for Kauaʻi County, which includes Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as well as a hurricane warning for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals.
As of 11 a.m. Sunday, peak tropical storm-force winds are expected between Monday afternoon until early Tuesday morning. Peak winds are forecast for 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in Kauai 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.
The earliest arrival time for those winds is sometime after 8 a.m. Monday, with the strongest on Monday night.
Storm surge
Courtesy Graphic: National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center website as of 11 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.
Localized storm surge is possible for Kauaʻi County, with a potential for 1 to 3 feet of water above ground in areas prone to surge. The time frame of main storm surge concern is Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.
The deepest waters will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of Lowell’s center, where the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Surge-related flooding depends on relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle; it can vary greatly over short distances.
Tornadoes
Late Monday, conditions also will become favorable for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell, mainly near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. This threat continues into Monday night and diminishes quickly Tuesday morning.
Prepare now
Residents and visitors should monitor official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, secure outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen. Never drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.
To receive county emergency alerts, text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777.
Visitors should confirm flights, accommodations and activities directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. Visitor information is available online and by calling 1-800-GOHAWAII.
The public should continue closely monitoring Lowell’s progress. Check National Weather Service forecasts and products for any additional advisories, watches or warnings issued and for specific weather information for your community.
Residents and visitors should continue monitoring official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, secure outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen. Never drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense encourages residents and businesses to review or develop preparedness plans now, before the next storm arrives.
Contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or visit the Civil Defense website if you have any questions or require assistance.
Check the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map for even more information.