Updated at 5:36 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.
The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for Kauaʻi County, including Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the south.
“A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions, sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are possible in the area, generally within the next 48 hours,” said a Kaua’i County update at 4:40 p.m. Saturday. “It is not an evacuation order. It is the signal to finish your preparations now, while conditions are still good. If evacuations become necessary, county officials provide updates.”
Tropical storm conditions are possible by late Monday or Monday night in Kauaʻi County.
Localized storm surge is possible, with the potential for 1 to 3 feet of water above ground in areas prone to surge, with the time frame of main concern Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.
A flood watch was issued earlier Saturday for the entire state. Peak rainfall amounts throughout Kauaʻi County are expected to be 4 to 8 inches, with with maximum totals possibly exceeding 12 inches.
The Big Island can expect to see 2 to 6 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals up to 10 inches possible. Maui is forecast to see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches possible, and the rest of the islands should see 2 to 4 inches of rain.
This rainfall could produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially on Kauaʻi and portions of the Big Island.
Weather conditions also are favorable that tornadoes could be possible.
A high surf advisory for south and east shorelines also was extended again earlier Saturday afternoon until Tuesday morning, with swells from Hurricane Lowell and Tropical Storm Karina producing surf up to 14 feet along eastern shorelines and up to 12 feet along south-facing shores, increasing to 14 feet by Sunday night.
The advisory is expected to be upgraded to a high surf warning Sunday night into Monday for affected south-facing shores as surf heights are forecast to rapidly increase to warning levels.
Category 4 Hurricane Lowell was located about 630 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, as of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center 5 p.m. advisory update.
The storm was moving west-northwest at 5 mph. Hurricane force winds extending up to 45 miles and tropical storm force winds extending up to 175 miles outward from the storm’s center.
A turn toward the north is expected Sunday, followed by a north-northeastward motion with an increase in forward speed Sunday night and Monday.
“On the forecast track, the center of Lowell will move across portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, just west of the main Hawaiian Islands, Monday night,” the 5 p.m. Saturday update said.
A hurricane watch was issued for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals.
Some fluctuations in intensity remain possible through early Sunday, followed by gradual weakening Sunday and Monday.
Hurricane conditions are possible Monday night in eastern portions of Papahānaumokuākea, with tropical storm conditions beginning by late Monday.
The storm is bringing back memories for some Kauaʻi residents of the catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane ʻIniki, which in 1992 struck the island, killing seven people and doing an estimated $3 billion in damage.
“We need everyone on Kauaʻi to take this storm seriously and finish preparing now,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami. “Know where you will go if you need to leave your home, gather essential supplies and sign up for emergency alerts. Our county teams are ready, but preparedness begins with each household.”
Residents and visitors should monitor official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, secure outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen. Never drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.
Visitors should confirm flights, accommodations and activities directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. Visitor information is available online and by calling 1-800-GOHAWAII.
To receive county emergency alerts:
- Kauaʻi: Text KAUAIEMA to 888777
- Hawaiʻi Island: Text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777
- Maui County: Text MAUIALERTS to 38276
- Oʻahu: Text HNLALERT to 888777
The public should continue closely monitoring Lowell’s progress. Check National Weather Service forecasts and products for any additional advisories, watches or warnings issued and for specific weather information for your community.
