Summary (tl;dr)

Hurricane Lowell, currently a Category 2 storm, is severely impacting Hawaii, particularly the islands of Kauai and Niihau, with hurricane warnings in effect. Oahu is under a tropical storm warning, as the storm brings heavy rainfall, flash floods, mudslides, dangerous surf, and widespread power outages across the affected regions.

Essential Background

Hurricane Lowell originated as a tropical depression on August 27, 2026, and has seen its intensity fluctuate dramatically, reaching Category 5 at one point before weakening. This storm marks the third significant weather system to threaten Hawaii within recent weeks, following Tropical Storm Moke and Hurricane Lala. Notably, Hurricane Lala caused millions of dollars in infrastructure and home damage on the Big Island. This unusually active hurricane season is attributed to warm ocean temperatures and a strong El Niño pattern, which forecasters predict to be one of the strongest on record. In response to the escalating threat, Hawaii's governor has declared a state of emergency.

The Full Story

As of Monday night, September 7, 2026, Hurricane Lowell is a Category 2 storm, sustaining winds of approximately 110-115 mph, and its center is forecast to pass just west of Niihau and Kauai late Monday night and into early Tuesday. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Kauai and Niihau, while Oahu is under a tropical storm warning. Conditions are deteriorating rapidly on Kauai and Oahu, with thousands of power outages already reported on Kauai.

The storm is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall, with Kauai potentially receiving 6 to 14 inches, Hawaii's Big Island 3 to 12 inches, and Oahu and Maui 2 to 10 inches. This rainfall is likely to cause significant flash flooding and mudslides, and there is a possibility of tornadoes forming in Kauai County. Coastal areas of Kauai County are particularly vulnerable to storm surges of 1 to 4 feet, which could lead to severe coastal flooding and destructive waves. A high surf warning is in effect for south-facing shores across the state, with surf heights rapidly increasing to 20-30 feet on Kauai. In anticipation of the worst conditions, the City and County of Honolulu have closed all non-essential offices and services for Tuesday, September 8, to facilitate emergency response efforts. Public schools on Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu have also been closed. Residents in affected areas are strongly advised to shelter in place, avoid all unnecessary travel, and prepare for potential power outages.

Why It Matters

The impact of Hurricane Lowell is a matter of critical concern due to its potential for severe winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding, dangerous mudslides, and life-threatening coastal conditions, all of which pose significant risks to human life and property. This event underscores a troubling trend of increasingly active and intense hurricane seasons in Hawaii, following two other recent damaging storms, and raises questions about the long-term effects of climate change and a powerful El Niño phenomenon on the region. The widespread closures of government services and schools, coupled with the urgent calls for resident preparedness, highlight the profound disruption and potential economic strain the storm is placing on the Hawaiian islands. The continuous warnings about dangerous surf and rip currents further emphasize the immediate need for residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent tragic incidents along the coastlines.

Geographic Location

• Kauai County, Hawaii, United States (under hurricane warning, experiencing heavy rain, flash floods, mudslides, power outages, coastal flooding, and possible tornadoes)
• Niihau, Kauai County, Hawaii, United States (under hurricane warning, experiencing heavy rain, and possible tornadoes)
• Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (under tropical storm warning, experiencing heavy rain, flash flooding, dangerous ocean conditions, some power outages, and non-essential services closure)
• Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (City and County offices and services closed due to storm)
• Hawaii's Big Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (expected heavy rain and potential flash flooding and mudslides)
• Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, United States (parts of the monument under hurricane warning as Lowell passes)