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El Niño Spurs Record Pacific Hurricanes, Hawaii Declares Emergencies

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 4:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Hawaii Records Hurricanes

Hawaii recorded three hurricanes within 200 miles this season, a 70-year record.
Three Pacific hurricanes reached Category 5, tying the 2002 record.
Lala and Lowell damaged over 510 homes and caused $168 million infrastructure loss.
John Bravender says residents are adopting self-sufficiency and neighbor aid after storms.
Nolo flooded Ka‘u and produced surf on Sept 26 2026, with foot-deep rain expected.

Summary

Scientists Link El Niño

Scientists link the season’s Pacific hyperactivity to an unprecedented El Niño event.
Gabriel Vecchi of Princeton says the El Niño suppresses Atlantic hurricanes through increased wind shear.
The Atlantic recorded zero hurricanes as of Sept 25, the first such count in over a century.
Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami warns the current El Niño may become the strongest on record.

Summary

Governor Declares Emergency

Governor Josh Green declared a third state of emergency this month ahead of Hurricane Nolo.
Hawaii County opened shelters and secured 100 hotel rooms for residents fearing flood damage.
Public schools, county offices and the University of Hawaii closed Thursday and Friday on the Big Island.
The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch for Hawaii County and a tropical storm watch for Maui.

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Hawaii Records Hurricanes

Hawaii recorded three hurricanes within 200 miles this season, a 70-year record.
Three Pacific hurricanes reached Category 5, tying the 2002 record.
Lala and Lowell damaged over 510 homes and caused $168 million infrastructure loss.
John Bravender says residents are adopting self-sufficiency and neighbor aid after storms.
Nolo flooded Ka‘u and produced surf on Sept 26 2026, with foot-deep rain expected.

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