Category 3 Hurricane Lowell will bring high surf and possible rain with flooding to Big Island

Updated at 5 a.m. Sept. 6, 2026.

Category 3 Hurricane Lowell has begun its turn northward, and as of the 5 a.m. Sunday advisory was 580 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe with sustained winds of 125 mph and moving northwest at 6 mph.

Lowell’s eye is forecast to make it’s closest approach to the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday night, passing 100 to 200 miles west of Niʻihau.

Hurricane force winds extend up to 50 miles and tropical storm force winds extend up to 175 miles from Lowell’s center. The storm is expected to gradually weaken Sunday and Monday, but remain a powerful hurricane.

High surf advisory

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.

Flood watch

A flood watch is in effect for the entire state, with peak rainfall amounts throughout Kauaʻi County expected at 6 to 10 inches, with maximum totals possibly exceeding 14 inches in some locations.

The Big Island is forecast to receive 2 to 6 inches of rainfall, with isolated totals up to 10 inches possible, while Maui is expected to get 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches possible. The rest of the main Hawaiian Islands should see 2 to 4 inches of rain.

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

Kauaʻi County

Kauaʻi county should be prepared for the strong possibility of high winds, high surf, heavy rain, storm surge and tornadoes.

A tropical storm watch is in effect until further for Kauaʻi County, which includes Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as well as a hurricane watch for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals.

As of 11 p.m. Saturday, Kauaʻi County has between a 10% and 60% chance of experiencing tropical storm force winds of between 39 mph and 73 mph, depending on specific locations on both islands, according to the National Weather Service.

The earliest arrival time for those winds is sometime after 8 a.m. Monday, with the strongest on Monday night.

Storm surge

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.

The deepest waters will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of Lowell’s center, where the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Surge-related flooding depends on relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle; it can vary greatly over short distances.

Tornadoes

Late Monday, conditions also will become favorable for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell, mainly near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. This threat continues into Monday night and diminishes quickly Tuesday morning.

Prepare now

Residents and visitors should monitor 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.

To receive county emergency alerts, text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777.

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.

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.

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.

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.