Hurricane Lowell, Category 4, Threatens Hawaii with Potential Impacts
Hurricane Lowell, currently a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h), is forecast to make a sharp turn toward the western Hawaiian Islands over the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of 5 p.m. ET on September 3, 2026, Lowell was located approximately 450 miles south-southwest of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 10 mph (16 km/h). While the exact track remains uncertain, the storm could bring significant impacts, including storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall, to parts of Hawaii early next week. Lowell is expected to remain a major hurricane, with winds exceeding 111 mph (179 km/h), for the next several days. Swells generated by the storm are already reaching the Hawaiian Islands, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.