Category 4 Hurricane Lowell holding steady; tropical storm conditions possible by late Monday for Kauaʻi County

8:26 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Kauaʻi County, including Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the south.

Tropical storm conditions are possible by late Monday or Monday night in Kauaʻi County.

Lowell was holding steady as a Category 4 hurricane as of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center advisory update at 8 p.m. Saturday, moving northwest at 5 mph with a northward turn expected Sunday.

The hurricane was located about 620 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe. Hurricane force winds extended up to 45 miles and tropical storm force winds up to 175 miles outward from Lowell’s center.

Its northward turn Sunday is forecast to be followed by a north-northeastward motion, with an increase in forward speed expected Sunday night and Monday. Lowell’s center is still expected to move across portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, just west of the main Hawaiian Islands, by Monday night.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals.

A flood watch was issued earlier Saturday for the entire state. Peak rainfall amounts throughout Kauaʻi County are expected to be 4 to 8 inches, with with maximum totals possibly exceeding 12 inches.

The Big Island can expect to see 2 to 6 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals up to 10 inches possible. Maui is forecast to see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches possible, and the rest of the islands should see 2 to 4 inches of rain.

This rainfall could produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially on Kauaʻi and portions of the Big Island.

Some fluctuations in intensity remain possible through early Sunday, which are expected to be followed by gradual weakening Sunday and Monday.

Localized storm surge is possible for Kauaʻi County, with a potential for 1 to 3 feet of water above ground in areas prone to surge. The time frame of main storm surge concern is Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.

A high surf advisory for south and east shorelines also was extended until Tuesday morning, with swells from Hurricane Lowell and Tropical Storm Karina producing surf up to 14 feet along eastern shorelines and up to 12 feet along south-facing shores, increasing to 14 feet by Sunday night.

The advisory is expected to be upgraded to a high surf warning Sunday night into Monday for affected south-facing shores as surf heights are forecast to rapidly increase to warning levels.

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.