Lowell expected to turn toward west-northwest by tonight; hurricane watch likely required later today for Kauaʻi County

Updated at 11:50 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, increas

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.

Residents and visitors should continue monitoring 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, text HAWAIIALERTS 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.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.