Lowell again a Category 5 storm, with winds of 160 mph; rainfall, high surf still expected for Big Island

This story was updated at 6 p.m. Sept. 4, 2026.

When forecasters said Hurricane Lowell’s intensity would fluctuate, they weren’t kidding.

Lowell was again a Category 5 hurricane as of the 5 p.m. Friday advisory update from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, with sustained winds of 160 mph and moving west at 7mph.

The storm also is bringing back memories for some Kauaʻi residents of the catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane ʻIniki, which in 1992 struck the island, killing 7 people and doing an estimated $3 billion in damage.

Lowell was located about 615 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, Kaua‘i, or about 600 miles south-southwest of Honolulu, by 5 p.m. Friday.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. However, a high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for south- and east-facing shorelines of all islands.

Swells from Lowell continue filling in and will remain elevated above high surf advisory conditions through at least early Saturday morning, said National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu.

A large, medium-period east swell from Hurricane Karina also is filling in and will continue through the weekend, producing high end advisory level surf or warning level surf along east-facing shores.

Large breaking waves are forecast to build up to 14 feet along east-facing shores and 12 feet along south-facing shores. Forecasters said swells will build up to 10 to 14 feet by Saturday.

The hurricane is expected to remain on its current track for the near future, with a gradual decrease in forward motion followed by a sharp turn to the north or northeast Sunday.

Some additional intensification also is possible during the next day or so, followed by a gradual weakening trend by early next week.

National Hurricane Center graphics show the storm center now passing even farther away from Kaua‘i County likely sometime Monday afternoon or Monday night. Lowell is expected to remain a hurricane even after passing the state.

While the storm’s center is forecast to pass to the west of the islands, it looks likely that there will be other  impacts, with rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum of more than 10 inches possible in some areas, forecast for Kaua‘i County and parts of the Big Island.

Maui is forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches possible, and the remaining islands forecast to see 1 to 2 inches, with a maximum of 4 inches possible.

The rainfall could produce flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

Other hazards such as storm surge and wind also could become issues for parts of the islands early next week, especially Kaua‘i County

National Hurricane Center graphics show Kaua‘i County now has a 10% to 40% chance of receiving tropical storm force winds from Lowell as the storm passes. Those winds are now expected to start blowing over Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau sometime after 8 a.m. Monday.

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.

Hawaiʻi County urges preparedness

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense encourages residents and businesses to review or develop preparedness plans now, before the next storm arrives.

Contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or visit the Civil Defense website if you have any questions or require assistance.

Check the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map for even more information.