Full Breakdown
Hurricane Lowell’s Near Miss: Impacts on Hawaii’s Western Islands
9/9/2026, 3:40:33 AM
Core Event
In the early hours of September 8, 2026, Hurricane Lowell passed just west of Ni‘ihau and Kauai as a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds, moving north at 18 mph. A Hurricane Warning remained for Kauai and Ni‘ihau, while a Tropical Storm Warning covered O‘ahu. The National Hurricane Center issued the first tornado watch for any part of Hawaii, covering Kauai and Ni‘ihau overnight.
Background & Context
Lowell formed as a tropical depression on August 27, 2026, quickly intensifying to Category 5 before weakening to Category 2 near the islands. It arrived during an active El Niño-driven Pacific season that has already produced Tropical Storms Lala and Moke and Hurricane Fausto.
Data & Statistics
- Power outages: About 90 % of Kauai customers (?33,300 accounts) lost electricity; O‘ahu saw over 20,000 outages.
- Wind: Sustained 50 mph at Lihue Airport, gusts up to 84 mph at Barking Sands.
- Rainfall: Forecasts called for 4-8 in additional rain, with storm totals possibly reaching 24 in on Kauai.
- Storm surge: Expected 2-4 ft on Kauai’s south coast, up to 1 ft for O‘ahu.
- Surf: 20-30 ft waves projected for south-facing shores of Kauai and Ni‘ihau, 15-25 ft for O‘ahu.
Impact
Heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf triggered flash-flood and mudslide warnings on Kauai’s steep terrain. Portions of Kaumualii and Kuhio Highways were closed due to debris and flooding. Lihue Airport and commercial ports shut down, and all public schools, state offices, and university campuses on Kauai, Ni‘ihau, and O‘ahu closed for the day. Honolulu opened a hurricane refuge at Nanakuli Elementary.
Official Statements & Responses
- Governor Josh Green announced the closures and urged residents to stay indoors and conserve water.
- Elton Ushio, Kauai Emergency Management Agency administrator, said officials will “ensure that no additional emergency situations arise unnecessarily.”
- The National Hurricane Center projected Lowell would weaken to a tropical storm later Tuesday and move northwest away from the islands.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents reported widespread power loss, downed trees, and flooded roads. Real-estate agent Lori Benkert described a “loud, windy night” with trees snapping near her home, though her house remained intact. Emergency officials noted three people using the Honolulu refuge shelter, and utility crews began aerial damage assessments at first light.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Verbatim Quotes
- “As the light comes up and the extent of the damage from Hurricane Lowell comes into focus, we want to ensure that no additional emergency situations arise unnecessarily,” — Elton Ushio
- “Closing offices, schools and courts will help keep people off the roads during dangerous conditions and allow emergency crews to focus on protecting our communities,” — Gov. Josh Green
- “I hope you have spent these last few days preparing for the worst,” — Derek Kawakami, Kauai County mayor
What’s Next
Forecasters expect Lowell to weaken to tropical-storm strength by later Tuesday and turn northwest, moving away from the archipelago. A flood watch remains statewide through Tuesday, and high-surf warnings may persist into Wednesday as swells continue. Residents should monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency agencies.
