Hurricane Lowell (2026)

The story so far

As of September 8, 2026

Hawaii is under a statewide emergency proclamation as Hurricane Lowell makes a late turn toward the islands, the third storm threat in just over three weeks. Tropical storm warnings are up for Kauai and Niihau, and the forecast has the center of Lowell passing just west of the western islands late Monday into Tuesday. Lowell is a major hurricane, with top winds around 120 mph on Sunday, sitting roughly 545 miles south southwest of Lihue and drifting north at about 6 mph.

What matters now is not only the exact track but the storm’s reach. Tropical storm force winds extend outward roughly 175 miles from the center, and hurricane force winds about 50 miles. Kauai is forecast to take 6 to 10 inches of rain, with local peaks near 14 inches, and the Big Island 4 to 8 inches with pockets up to 12. Water levels on Kauai could rise by up to 3 feet along normally dry coastal areas, and large south and west swells are already building across the state. The islands’ terrain can speed up winds over ridges and slopes, so gusts near hurricane strength are possible on higher ground even if the center stays offshore.

The turn north is the hinge of this forecast. After days of westward motion, a weakening steering pattern is allowing Lowell to bend sharply toward the western end of the chain, which is why Kauai remains within the area where the center could pass. The setup has drawn comparisons to Hurricane Iniki’s approach in 1992, a reminder of how a small shift late in the track can change local wind and surge dramatically. An El Niño warmed central Pacific has kept waters and background conditions favorable, which explains both Lowell’s bursts to Category 5 strength and why Hawaii has seen three close calls in quick succession.

State and county officials have moved early. The governor activated the Hawaii National Guard and sent six high water vehicles to Kauai, and agencies are clearing streams and checking reservoirs. With first impacts expected as soon as Monday, the picture to watch is whether the northward turn brings Lowell’s core close enough to push damaging winds ashore on Kauai, or whether the main effects stay a combination of flooding rain, power outages from tree damage, and dangerous surf across south and west facing coasts.