Updated at 11:42 a.m. Sept. 5, 2026.
Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters report in their 11 a.m. advisory update Saturday that Hurricane Lowell is making a turn toward the west-northwest, still as a Category 4 hurricane, now with sustained winds of 145 mph and moving at 7 mph.
Hurricane watches likely will be required later today for Kauaʻi County and portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect as of the 11 a.m. update.
Lowell was located about 635 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, with hurricane force winds extending up to 60 miles and tropical storm force winds extending up to 160 miles outward from the storm’s center.
“A turn toward the northwest is expected by this evening, followed by a northward to north-northeastward motion with an increase in forward speed on Sunday and Monday,” said the 11 a.m. update. “On the forecast track, the center of Lowell will move across portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, just to the west of the main Hawaiian Islands, Monday night.”
Fluctuations in intensity continue to be possible during the next day or so, followed by a gradual weakening trend on Sunday and Monday.
Tropical storm conditions are possible by late Monday or Monday night in Kauaʻi County, with hurricane conditions possible Monday night in eastern portions of Papahānaumokuākea, with tropical storm conditions beginning by late Monday.
Hurricane Lowell is also still expected to produce rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with maximum totals possibly exceeding 10 inches, for Kauaʻi and the Big Island; 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of up to 8 inches, for Maui; and rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with maximum of up to 4 inches possible, for the remaining islands of the state.
“This rainfall may produce locally significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” forecasters said.
A high surf advisory also remains in place through Sunday for southern and eastern shorelines of Kauaʻi.
Swells from Hurricane Lowell continue filling in throughout the state, plus a large, medium-period east swell from Hurricane Karina is also filling in and will continue through the weekend, producing high-end advisory level surf or warning level surf, building up to 14 feet, along east-facing shores.
Lowell will generate surf up to 12 feet along southern exposures, increasing to 14 feet by Sunday afternoon.
The combination of storm surge from Lowell and tide also are expected to cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. Water could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground in some areas if peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the storm’s center, where the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of surge and tidal cycle. It also can vary greatly over short distances.
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.
