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Hurricane Lowell passes just west of Hawaii, threatening winds and rain

Hurricane Lowell passes just west of Hawaii, threatening winds and rain

Forecasters do not expect Hurricane Lowell to make landfall in Hawaii, but they warned the storm could still have significant impacts.

Hawaii's western islands hit by fierce winds from Hurricane Lowell, leaving extensive damage

Hawaii's western islands hit by fierce winds from Hurricane Lowell, leaving extensive damage

Damaging winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Lowell pelted Hawaii’s western islands, causing widespread power outages

Hawaii's western islands hit by fierce winds from Hurricane Lowell, knocking out power

Hawaii's western islands hit by fierce winds from Hurricane Lowell, knocking out power

Damaging winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Lowell pelted Hawaii’s western islands and has caused widespread power outages

Hurricane Lowell brings heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell brings heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell, a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (177 km/h), is currently passing west of Hawaii, particularly impacting the islands of Kauai and Niihau. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for Kauai County and a tropical storm warning for Oahu. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with totals of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) for Kauai and up to 24 inches (61 cm) in isolated areas. The Big Island could see an additional 3 to 8 inches (7 to 20 cm) of rain, while Oahu and Maui may receive 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm). The storm is also causing life-threatening surf, rip currents, and the potential for tornadoes and waterspouts.

Hurricane Lowell expected to pass near one Hawaiian island and cause major rains statewide

Hurricane Lowell expected to pass near one Hawaiian island and cause major rains statewide

Hurricane Lowell was expected to cause major rains across Hawaii on Tuesday as its core was projected to pass over or near the sparsely populated island of Niihau

Hurricane Lowell Approaches Western Hawaiian Islands with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Hurricane Lowell Approaches Western Hawaiian Islands with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Hurricane Lowell, currently a Category 3 storm, is turning north due to a dip in the jet stream and is expected to pass near Hawaii late tomorrow. Tropical moisture is already spreading across the islands, with heavy rain forecast to continue through Monday. Kauai and Niihau are under a Tropical Storm Watch, with winds above 40 mph and gusts reaching hurricane force likely in higher elevations and passes. A Hurricane Watch is also in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a remote area west of Kauai. Rainfall totals could reach up to 12 inches on Kauai and the Big Island, with flash floods and mudslides possible. High waves are expected on the south side of the western Hawaiian Islands, with tides up to 3 feet above normal in harbors and inlets on Monday night.

Hurricane Lowell Forces School and Office Closures in Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell Forces School and Office Closures in Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell is approaching Hawaii, bringing hurricane-force winds, flash flooding, damaging surf, and the possibility of tornadoes. As of Monday night, the storm was located 135 miles southwest of Lihue, Kauai, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. It is moving north-northeast at 18 mph and is expected to pass near or just west of Niihau overnight into Tuesday. The Hawaii State Department of Education has announced the closure of all public schools and offices on Oahu and in Kauai County for Tuesday, 8th September. Governor Josh Green has also ordered the closure of state and county offices, courts, and other government facilities in the affected areas.

Kauai and Niihau Under Tropical Storm Warning as Hurricane Lowell Approaches

Kauai and Niihau Under Tropical Storm Warning as Hurricane Lowell Approaches

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Kauai and Niihau as Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (193 km/h), approaches the Hawaiian Islands. As of 11 a.m. HST on September 6, 2026, Lowell was located approximately 545 miles south-southwest of Lihue, moving north at 6 mph (9.7 km/h). The storm is expected to pass just west of Kauai County late Monday into early Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high surf to the region. The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals, remains under a hurricane warning, with hurricane conditions expected within 36 hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued a flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands through Tuesday afternoon, with rainfall totals of up to 14 inches (356 mm) possible in some areas.

Hurricane Lowell Brings High Surf, Heavy Rain, and Flash Flood Risks to Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell Brings High Surf, Heavy Rain, and Flash Flood Risks to Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm, is moving north-northeast at 18 mph and is expected to pass near or just west of Niʻihau on Monday night into early Tuesday (source: Big Island Now, 2026-09-07). The storm, with sustained winds of 110 mph, is causing widespread impacts across the Hawaiian Islands, including high surf, heavy rainfall, and potential flash flooding. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 70 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 175 miles. A high surf warning is in effect for the Big Island, with waves of 12 to 16 feet expected along south-facing shores. Rainfall totals could reach up to 12 inches on the Big Island and 24 inches in some areas of Kauaʻi County. Tornadoes are also possible near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Downpours, rip currents and tornadoes: What Hurricane Lowell may bring

Downpours, rip currents and tornadoes: What Hurricane Lowell may bring

The powerful storm is not expected to make a direct landfall but is still forecast to bring serious weather to the islands.

Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii with Heavy Rain and High Winds

Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii with Heavy Rain and High Winds

Hurricane Lowell, the second Category 5 hurricane of the 2026 Pacific season, has weakened to a Category 3 storm but remains a significant threat to Hawaii. As of Sunday, September 6, 2026, Lowell is located approximately 575 miles south-southwest of Lihue and 595 miles southwest of Honolulu. The storm is moving north-northwest and is expected to turn north and north-northeast, with its closest approach to the western Hawaiian Islands, particularly Kauai and Ni'ihau, anticipated late Monday night. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for Kauai and Ni'ihau, with the storm expected to bring heavy rainfall, high winds, and storm surge to the region. Lowell is forecast to remain a major hurricane through Monday before gradually weakening as it encounters wind shear and cooler waters. (Source: weather.com, 2026-09-06 12:16:33 GMT)

Hurricane Lowell Prompts Tropical Storm Watch for Kauaʻi County

Hurricane Lowell Prompts Tropical Storm Watch for Kauaʻi County

A tropical storm watch has been issued for Kauaʻi County, including Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the south. Sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (63 to 117 km/h) are possible within the next 48 hours. County officials have opened multiple shelters in partnership with the American Red Cross, including facilities in Kīlauea, Kapaʻa, Līhuʻe, Kalāheo, and Waimea. Residents and visitors are advised to finalize preparations and monitor official updates. The Līhuʻe Airport remains operational, but travelers should check with airlines for potential delays or cancellations. State parks, campgrounds, and other recreational areas are closed until further notice. The Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau recommends sheltering in place at safe lodging locations unless evacuation orders are issued.