Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Hawaii Declares Emergency as Hurricane Lowell Strengthens Near Islands
Hurricane Lowell is a very powerful storm moving toward Hawaii.
It has strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane.
Its winds are about 240 kilometres per hour.
The storm was still far south of the islands on Friday.
Forecasters said it could become even stronger.
It may come near the western Hawaiian Islands late Monday or Monday night.
Heavy rain and high waves could reach areas far from the storm’s centre.
Hawaii’s governor declared an emergency so officials can move people and supplies quickly.
Hurricane Lowell has regained Category 4 strength with winds near 240 kilometres per hour.
The storm was about 985 kilometres south of Lihue, Hawaii, on Friday morning local time.
Lowell briefly reached Category 5 strength on Wednesday and was forecast to strengthen further Friday.
The latest forecast showed Lowell approaching the western Hawaiian Islands late Monday or Monday night.
Governor Josh Green declared a statewide emergency to speed preparations and resource deployment.
- Who
- Hurricane Lowell, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and state and county agencies are involved.
- What
- Lowell strengthened to Category 4, prompting Hawaii to declare a statewide emergency for storm preparations and potential impacts.
- When
- The emergency proclamation was signed Thursday; Lowell’s position and forecast were updated Friday, with possible impacts late Monday or Monday night.
- Where
- The storm was about 985 kilometres south of Lihue and is forecast to approach the western Hawaiian Islands.
- Why
- The proclamation is intended to help agencies mobilise personnel, equipment, and resources quickly and protect communities.
- Current strength
- Category 4 hurricane
- Sustained winds
- About 240 kilometres per hour
- Central pressure
- 926 millibars
- Friday location
- About 985 kilometres south of Lihue, Hawaii
- Potential timing
- Near the western Hawaiian Islands late Monday or Monday night
- Potential impacts
- High surf and heavy rain extending hundreds of miles from the storm’s centre
- Emergency coverage
- The entire state of Hawaii