Hurricane Lowell to pass near Kauai and Niihau Monday night

September 8, 2026 at 03:37 AM2 min

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Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm, is forecast to pass just west of Kauai and Niihau on Monday night, bringing tornado threats, coastal flooding up to 1 metre, and rainfall of 150–250 mm. The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued emergency hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the island chain on Sunday. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami issued an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the storm.

Key Facts

Hurricane Lowell is a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, located about 895 km southwest of Honolulu.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued emergency hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the Hawaiian islands on Sunday.
Kauai faces potential coastal flooding of up to 1 metre from storm surges and high tides.
Forecasters predict rainfall of 150–250 mm, with maximum totals of 360 mm, across affected areas.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 85 km from the centre, and tropical storm-force winds up to 280 km.

Storm Track and Intensity

Lowell is predicted to skirt just west of Niihau and Kauai, tracking from south to north at 9 km/h. The storm has seesawed between Category 3 and Category 5 intensity, first reaching Category 5 on Wednesday morning with winds of 257 km/h. Lowell became the second Category 5 hurricane of the season and is one of only three Pacific hurricanes to regain Category 5 strength after weakening mid-path, alongside Emilia (1994) and Ioke (2006). Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 85 km from the centre, while tropical storm-force winds reach 280 km.

Warnings and Preparations

The National Hurricane Center issued emergency hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the island chain on Sunday, advising residents and visitors to brace for severe windstorms and possible mudslides as early as Monday night. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami issued an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the hurricane. Local officials have urged residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rain and fierce winds that could cause major flash flooding and hazardous mudslides. The National Weather Service warned that tornadoes could accompany tropical cyclones, typically occurring in rain bands well away from the storm's centre.

Expected Impacts

Kauai faces potential coastal flooding of up to 1 metre caused by rolling storm surges and unusually high tides. Forecasters said Lowell could bring rainfall of 150 mm to 250 mm, with maximum totals of 360 mm. Hawaii's Big Island can expect 100 mm to 200 mm of rain, with localized peaks reaching up to 305 mm. The storm threatens portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as it tracks northward.