Federal hurricane forecasters say Hurricane Lowell could pass near western Hawaii as a major storm early next week, with dangerous wind, surge, and flooding rain risks.
Story Highlights
- Hurricane Lowell is forecast to approach western Hawaii near major-hurricane strength late Monday.
- Officials warn of possible storm surge and damaging winds, especially for Kauai County.
- Rain totals could exceed 10 inches in spots, with flooding possible on multiple islands.
- Watches could be issued for the westernmost islands as early as Saturday.
Forecast Track and Timing From Federal Agencies
National Hurricane Center forecasters said Lowell will move west, then turn northwest and north over the weekend, bringing it close to western Hawaii late Monday and Monday night. The forecast keeps Lowell near major-hurricane strength during that approach. Public advisories urged Hawaii to monitor updates closely. Officials said watches could be required for the westernmost islands on Saturday, depending on the storm’s exact path and timing. At the time of the latest advisories, no coastal watches or warnings were yet in effect.
Advisories on Friday reported Lowell’s top sustained winds near 150 miles per hour, which is Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. That level of wind can cause severe damage to roofs, trees, and power lines if it moves close enough to the islands. The center stressed that track shifts are still possible before the weekend turn. That makes small changes important for who feels the worst winds, surf, and surge. Officials asked residents not to fixate on the exact forecast line.
Wind, Surge, and Rainfall Hazards Identified
Forecasters warned of a risk for storm surge and wind impacts for parts of Hawaii, with the greatest concern focused on Kauai County early next week. Surge can push seawater into normally dry areas along the coast, especially where onshore winds and high surf line up near high tides. Dangerous surf and rip currents are also possible. Marine forecasts around Hawaii already showed strong trade winds and building seas this week, consistent with a rough ocean setup ahead of Lowell.
Heavy rain is a separate threat. Advisories called for three to six inches on Kauai and the Island of Hawaii, with local amounts over 10 inches possible. Maui could see two to four inches, with isolated peaks near eight inches. These totals can trigger flash flooding and rockslides, especially on steep terrain and in burn scars. Flooding often arrives far from the center, so residents should not assume they are safe if the eye passes offshore. Turn around, do not drive through flooded roads.
Preparedness Steps and What Uncertainty Means
Officials said Hawaii residents should review plans now, check supplies, and be ready to act if watches or warnings are posted this weekend. Small businesses should secure loose outdoor items and confirm backup power and data plans. Boat owners should prepare for rough seas and limited harbor space. Even with some uncertainty, early steps cost little and can save lives. The best time to prepare is before the turn north, not after water rises and winds strengthen.
🚨🌀 HURRICANE LOWELL REGAINS CATEGORY 5 STRENGTH
Hurricane Lowell has rapidly intensified, reaching around 150–160 MPH winds with pressure dropping into the 920s MBAR range. 🌪️
It has become one of the most powerful storms in the Pacific this season and is posing a serious… pic.twitter.com/jUMpj9G4nS
— GFN (@GFNIND) September 5, 2026
Forecast language used words like “risk” and “could be required,” which shows there is still uncertainty in the exact track and impacts. That is normal several days out. The goal is to give people time to get ready. If the path shifts, the risk may rise or fall for each island. The Center’s next advisories will refine wind arrival times, surf hazards, and rainfall zones. Residents can expect updated guidance through the weekend as new data comes in.
Sources:
nypost.com, nhc.noaa.gov, ndbc.noaa.gov
