{"id":1046773,"date":"2026-09-06T11:14:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-06T11:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1046773\/"},"modified":"2026-09-06T11:14:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T11:14:25","slug":"lowell-now-a-powerful-category-3-hurricane-some-fluctuations-in-intensity-possible-through-early-sunday-big-island-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1046773\/","title":{"rendered":"Lowell now a powerful Category 3 hurricane; some fluctuations in intensity possible through early Sunday : Big Island Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Updated at 11:47 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lowell is now a powerful Category 3 hurricane as it begins to turn northward, with sustained winds of 125 mph moving northwest at 5 mph.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some fluctuations in intensity remain possible through early Sunday, followed by gradual weakening by Sunday and Monday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The storm is about 610 miles south-southwest of L\u012bhu\u02bbe as of the Central Pacific Hurricane <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhc.noaa.gov\/text\/refresh\/HFOTCPCP4+shtml\/060851.shtml\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nhc.noaa.gov\/text\/refresh\/HFOTCPCP4+shtml\/060851.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">11 p.m. advisory update<\/a>, with hurricane force winds extending up to 45 mph and tropical storm force winds extending up to 175 miles from Lowell\u2019s center.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lowell\u2019s eye is <a href=\"https:\/\/inws.ncep.noaa.gov\/a\/a.php?i=134034317\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inws.ncep.noaa.gov\/a\/a.php?i=134034317\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">forecast<\/a> to make it\u2019s closest approach to the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday night, passing 100 to 200 miles west of Ni\u02bbihau.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/forecast.weather.gov\/wwamap\/wwatxtget.php?cwa=HFO&amp;wwa=tropical%20storm%20watch\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/forecast.weather.gov\/wwamap\/wwatxtget.php?cwa=HFO&amp;wwa=tropical%20storm%20watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">tropical storm watch<\/a> is in effect until further for Kaua\u02bbi County, which includes Kaua\u02bbi and Ni\u02bbihau, as well as a hurricane watch for Papah\u0101naumoku\u0101kea Marine National Monument, from N\u012bhoa to French Frigate Shoals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tropical storm conditions are possible by late Monday or Monday night for Kaua\u02bbi County, and hurricane conditions possible Monday night in eastern portions of Papah\u0101naumoku\u0101kea.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/USE-wind-probabilities-11-pm-1024x843.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101394\"\/>Courtesy Graphic: National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center website as of 11 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/USE-wind-arrival-times-11-pm-1024x840.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101393\"\/>Courtesy Graphic: National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center website as of 11 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As of the 11 p.m. update, National Weather Service graphics showed Kaua\u02bbi County has between a 10% and 60% chance of experiencing tropical storm force winds of between 39 mph and 73 mph, depending on specific locations on both islands. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The earliest arrival time for those winds is sometime after 8 a.m. Monday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/bigislandnow.com\/2026\/09\/05\/flood-watch-in-effect-sunday-evening-through-tuesday-afternoon-for-entire-state\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/bigislandnow.com\/2026\/09\/05\/flood-watch-in-effect-sunday-evening-through-tuesday-afternoon-for-entire-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">flood watch<\/a> is in effect for the entire state, with peak rainfall amounts throughout Kaua\u02bbi County expected at 4 to 8 inches, with maximum totals possibly exceeding 12 inches in some locations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rainfall could produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially on Kaua\u02bbi and portions of the Big Island.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/USE-rainfall-forecast-11-pm-1024x791.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101392\"\/>Courtesy Graphic: National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center website as of 11 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/USE-peak-storm-surge-11-pm-1024x840.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101391\"\/>Courtesy Graphic: National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center website as of 11 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Localized storm surge also is possible for Kaua\u02bbi 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The deepest waters will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of Lowell\u2019s center, where the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surge-related flooding depends on relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle; it can vary greatly over short distances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/bigislandnow.com\/2026\/09\/05\/update-high-surf-advisory-extended-through-tuesday-morning-for-most-big-island-shores-as-swells-from-lowell-karina-will-keep-surf-elevated\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/bigislandnow.com\/2026\/09\/05\/update-high-surf-advisory-extended-through-tuesday-morning-for-most-big-island-shores-as-swells-from-lowell-karina-will-keep-surf-elevated\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">high surf advisory<\/a> for south and east shorelines throughout the state as well as west shores of the Big Island also was extended until Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swells from Hurricane Lowell and Tropical Storm Karina producing surf up to 14 feet along eastern shorelines and up to 12 feet along south-facing shores, increasing to 14 feet by Sunday night.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Western shorelines should see waves of up to 10 feet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The advisory is expected to be upgraded to a high surf warning Sunday night into Monday for affected south-facing shores as surf heights are forecast to rapidly increase to warning levels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conditions also will become favorable for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell, mainly near Kaua\u02bbi and Ni\u02bbihau, later Monday, continuing into Monday night and the threat diminishing quickly Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lowell is expected to continue turning more toward the north or north-northeast tonight into Sunday, with an increase in forward speed Sunday into Monday.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/USE-NWS-satellite-image-from-late-Saturday-night-9-5-26-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/>National Weather Service satellite image from late the night of Sept. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOn the forecast track, the center of Lowell will move across portions of the Papah\u0101naumoku\u0101kea Marine National Monument, just west of the main Hawaiian Islands, Monday night,\u201d the 11 p.m. advisory update said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The storm is bringing back memories for some Kaua\u02bbi residents of the <a href=\"https:\/\/kauainownews.com\/2026\/09\/04\/category-4-hurricane-lowell-has-kauai-residents-remembering-devastation-of-iniki-34-years-ago\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/kauainownews.com\/2026\/09\/04\/category-4-hurricane-lowell-has-kauai-residents-remembering-devastation-of-iniki-34-years-ago\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane \u02bbIniki<\/a>, which in 1992 struck the island, killing seven peopl<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visitors should confirm flights, accommodations and activities directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. Visitor information is available <a href=\"https:\/\/GoHawaii.com\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"GoHawaii.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">online<\/a> and by calling 1-800-GOHAWAII.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To receive county emergency alerts, text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public should continue closely monitoring Lowell\u2019s progress. Check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/hfo\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/hfo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">National Weather Service<\/a> forecasts and products for any additional advisories, watches or warnings issued and for specific weather information for your community.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.bigislandnow.com\/file\/bigislandnow\/2026\/09\/USE-cone-of-uncertainty-11-pm.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"840\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/USE-cone-of-uncertainty-11-pm-1024x840.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-445976\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hawai\u02bbi County Civil Defense encourages residents and businesses to review or develop preparedness plans now, before the next storm arrives.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/hawaiicounty.gov\/civil-defense\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Civil Defense website<\/a> if you have any questions or require assistance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arcgis.com\/apps\/dashboards\/5865229bcba74020992b372ef18b6f17#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Hawai\u2018i County Hazard Impact Map<\/a>\u00a0for even more information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Updated at 11:47 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026. Lowell is now a powerful Category 3 hurricane as it begins&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1046774,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[4,3],"tags":[407840,417771,49285,417772,50,5313,417773,417774,67,132,68],"class_list":["post-1046773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-united-states","category-us","tag-central-pacific-hurricane-center","tag-hawaii-county-civil-defense","tag-hurricane-preparedness","tag-monitoring-closely","tag-news","tag-severe-weather","tag-still-not-expected-to-pose-any-immediate-threats-to-state","tag-tropical-storm-lowell","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1046773"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046773\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1046774"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1046773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1046773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1046773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}