Full Breakdown
Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii’s Western Islands
9/7/2026, 6:02:51 AM
Core Event: Major Hurricane Turns North Toward Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell is tracking northward in the Central Pacific and is expected to pass west of the Hawaiian Islands early next week. The storm, which reached Category 5 on September 4 before settling to Category 3–4, is projected to bring sustained winds of 120–145 mph, hurricane-force winds extending up to 60 mi from its center, and tropical-storm-force winds out to 175 mi. Models show the eye will likely pass 100–200 mi west of Kauai and Ni‘ihau on Monday night, keeping the most intense winds offshore while still generating heavy rain, dangerous surf and storm-surge threats for the islands.
Background & Context
The 2026 Pacific hurricane season has been unusually active, with three simultaneous tropical cyclones—Lowell, Karina and Marie—marking the first triple-hurricane stretch in a decade. Scientists link the heightened activity to a strong El Niño, which warms central-Pacific sea surface temperatures and reduces upper-level wind shear.
Data & Statistics
- Maximum sustained winds: 120–145 mph (multiple sources).
- Hurricane-force wind radius: 50–60 mi; tropical-storm-force radius: 160–175 mi.
- Rainfall forecasts: 6–10 in for Kauai, up to 14 in locally; 4–8 in for the Big Island; 2–4 in for Maui and Oahu.
- Storm-surge potential: 1–3 ft above ground in Kauai County, up to 1 ft on Oahu.
- Surf heights: 7–10 ft early Monday, rising to 20–30 ft on exposed south- and west-facing shores by night.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Josh Green declared a statewide emergency, activating the National Guard and urging residents to complete preparations. County officials in Kauai secured harbors, positioned emergency personnel and began monitoring dam levels. The National Weather Service warned that even areas on the edge of the forecast cone face hazardous surf and flooding.
On-the-Ground Reports
Kauai County closed all parks and campgrounds and opened five refuge areas, including the Kilauea Neighborhood Center and Kapaa Middle School, advising residents to bring supplies and pets. Local businesses reported rapid stockpiling of food, water and propane. The Kauai Emergency Management Agency urged residents to fill gas tanks, charge devices and secure loose outdoor objects.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Lowell’s intensity: some list it as Category 3 with 125 mph winds, others as Category 4–5 with winds up to 160 mph. Forecast tracks also vary, with some models placing the eye 100 mi west of Kauai and others showing a more westerly path that would lessen wind impacts but still produce significant surf. Precise surge heights and wind gusts beyond the quoted radii remain unconfirmed.
What’s Next
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical-storm warning for Kauai and Ni‘ihau, a hurricane watch for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and a flood watch for all islands through early Tuesday. Hazardous conditions are expected from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Residents should finalize evacuation plans, monitor official alerts and avoid travel on flooded roads. Preparedness measures, including emergency kits with three days of water and food, remain emphasized as the storm’s impacts are refined.
