Updated Sept. 6, 2026, 12:37 p.m. ET
Hawaii is expected to avoid a direct hit from Hurricane Lowell, but the powerful storm is still forecast to bring heavy rain, dangerous surf and the potential for tropical storm conditions to parts of the island chain as it passes nearby on Labor Day and into Tuesday.
Tropical storm warnings were issued early on Sunday, Sept. 6 for the islands of Kauai and Niihau, after the National Hurricane Center nudged its track forecast for Lowell a little more eastward.
Forecasters expect Lowell to remain a major hurricane as it nears the west end of the main Hawaiian Islands on Sept. 7. The latest forecast predicts the center will pass about 115 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, officials caution.
A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours. Tropical storm-force winds extend out up to 175 miles from the center of the storm.
The entire island chain is forecast to receive heavy rain early in the week that could trigger flash flooding. Hawaii residents and visitors should continue monitoring forecasts and any watches or warnings that may be issued as Lowell approaches the islands, the hurricane center said.
Where is Hurricane Lowell?
Lowell is in the midst of the sharp northward turn that had been predicted, now moving to the north-northwest at just 6 mph, the hurricane center said in its latest advisory. Lowell’s maximum sustained winds had decreased to 125 mph, making it a Category 3, still a major hurricane.
After the turn, Lowell is forecast to accelerate and move across portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument before passing just west of the main Hawaiian Islands. Although gradual weakening is expected, Lowell is forecast to remain near major hurricane strength during its closest approach to Hawaii.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the area between the marine monument and French Frigate Shoals.
What impacts could Hawaii see?
Heavy rain is expected across much of the state, with a 100% chance of rain on Labor day. For Kauai and the Big Island, 4 to 10 inches is forecast with isolated totals exceeding 14 inches. Maui could receive 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts approaching 8 inches. Elsewhere, rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected.
The rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.
Coastal impacts are also expected. Storm surge could raise water levels 1 to 3 feet above normally dry ground in Kauai County and up to 1 foot on Oahu if the highest water coincides with high tide. Large, destructive waves and life-threatening rip currents are forecast across many Hawaiian shorelines during the next several days.
How should residents prepare?
Emergency officials recommend using the weekend to finish hurricane preparations before conditions begin to deteriorate.
The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service advise residents to know their evacuation zone, avoid driving through flooded roads and monitor official forecasts for updates. NOAA also recommends having an emergency kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and multiple ways to receive weather alerts in case power or cellular service is disrupted.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
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