Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Hurricane Lowell Prompts Warnings as Major Storm Nears Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell is moving toward the western Hawaiian Islands.
It is a strong storm with winds of up to 115 miles per hour.
Officials issued hurricane warnings for Kauai and Niihau, and a tropical storm warning for Oahu.
Lowell may pass close to or west of Niihau on Monday night or early Tuesday.
The storm is expected to bring very heavy rain to several islands.
Rain could cause flash floods and mudslides, especially on Kauai and parts of the Big Island.
Large waves and strong currents could make beaches dangerous.
Governor Josh Green and Kauai officials declared emergencies to help prepare.
Officials have moved extra workers, food and rescue vehicles to Kauai.
Hurricane warnings cover Kauai, Niihau and nearby waters, while Oahu remains under a tropical storm warning.
Lowell, with winds reaching 115 miles per hour, is classified as a Category 3 major hurricane.
The storm is forecast to pass near or west of Niihau Monday night and early Tuesday.
Heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides, dangerous surf and rip currents threaten several Hawaiian islands.
Governor Josh Green and Kauai officials declared emergencies and moved personnel, supplies and rescue vehicles into position.
- Who
- Hurricane Lowell, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.
- What
- Warnings and emergency measures were issued as Hurricane Lowell approaches Hawaii with threats from strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, mudslides and dangerous surf.
- When
- Conditions are expected to worsen Monday afternoon, with the storm forecast to pass near or west of Niihau Monday night and early Tuesday.
- Where
- Kauai, Niihau, Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, surrounding waters and other Hawaiian islands.
- Why
- Officials expect hurricane conditions, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, mudslides, high surf and rip currents, while preparing for possible changes in the storm's track.
- Storm strength
- Lowell's top winds reached 115 miles per hour, making it a Category 3 major hurricane.
- Hurricane warnings
- Kauai, Niihau and surrounding waters to the north, south and west.
- Tropical storm warning
- Oahu.
- Expected track
- Near or west of Niihau Monday night and early Tuesday.
- Rainfall forecast
- Up to 10 inches on Kauai, 12 inches in parts of the Big Island and isolated amounts of 8 inches on Maui and Oahu.
- Surf threat
- Surf near Kauai could reach 30 feet late Monday, while dangerous surf and rip currents are expected across many islands.
- Emergency actions
- Josh Green issued a statewide emergency proclamation, and Kauai opened five shelters and moved extra personnel, food and high-water rescue vehicles.
- Recent storm damage
- Tropical Cyclone Lala left about 17,000 customers without power for days and contributed to mud-, boulder- and tree-blocked roads.
