Hurricane Lowell Update: Hawaii Faces Flooding and Strong Winds

HONOLULU — Strong winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Lowell hit Hawaii’s western islands early Tuesday, bringing the risk of flash floods, mudslides and possible tornadoes. At the same time, dangerous swells from the remnants of Hurricane Marie are expected to threaten Southern California’s coast for several days.

Hurricane Lowell hit Hawaii on Tuesday

Updated: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 4:48 PM

Early Tuesday, authorities placed Kauai and Niihau under a hurricane warning and issued a tropical storm advisory for Oahu, home to nearly 1 million people.

The warnings came as Hurricane Lowell brought strong winds and heavy rain to the islands. 

Eric Blake, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center (NHC), said flooding and landslides were the main threats expected throughout the day. 

The storm’s center moved west of the Hawaiian islands early Tuesday and began moving away.

However, tropical storm-force winds still extended as far as 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the system. 

Lihue Airport on Kauai recorded sustained winds of more than 50 mph (80 kph), with gusts reaching 80 mph (130 kph).

Forecasters expect Lowell to weaken in the coming days as its winds gradually decrease. However, heavy rain remained a major concern.

Some areas of Kauai could receive up to 24 inches (60 centimeters) of rain, raising the risk of flooding and landslides.

Flooding was already affecting infrastructure north of Honolulu. 

Emergency crews cleared sand and debris from a major highway along Oahu’s west coast after floodwater covered parts of the road.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green also ordered public schools and government offices to close across the three affected islands on Tuesday.

Emergency crews clear debris along Oahu’s west coast (Source: HDOT)

The heavy rain comes as Hawaii is still recovering from Hurricane Lala, which passed near the islands last month. 

Lala caused deadly landslides, destroyed about 100 homes and damaged large parts of the power grid, leaving some areas more vulnerable to further flooding and landslides.

Farther east, the remnants of Hurricane Marie continued to produce dangerous ocean conditions along Baja California and Southern California. 

The system had weakened below tropical storm strength, but the NHC warned of life-threatening rip currents and large waves.

In Malibu, powerful surf hit the shoreline Tuesday morning and caused the driveway of an elevated beach house to collapse into a sinkhole. 

The NHC warned that dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents could continue along parts of the Southern California coast in the coming days.

Stay alert and check the latest Malibu weather forecast for dangerous waves, strong winds, rain, and other coastal weather risks before heading out.

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Updated: September 6, 2026, 3:25 PM

Hurricane Lowell Strengthens as It Approaches Hawaii 

Hurricane Lowell is approaching Hawaii from the southwest as a powerful Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds of about 120 mph. 

The hurricane was located roughly 535 miles south-southwest of Lihue and was moving north at about 6 mph.

The storm is expected to continue northward toward the western Hawaiian Islands before passing west of the islands.

Current forecasts place Lowell about 130 miles west of Niihau and 170 miles west of Kauai. 

It is expected to weaken to a Category 2 hurricane as it moves past the islands, although the exact track could still shift.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Kauai and Niihau, where tropical-storm conditions are expected as Lowell moves nearby.

Hawaii officials have also declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, allowing the state to mobilize resources and prepare for possible impacts.

Stay ahead of Hurricane Lowell’s changing track - check real-time wind speeds and hourly updates for Kauai!

Forecast models now favor an offshore path, which would keep the center of Lowell west of the islands rather than bringing a direct landfall. 

Still, forecasters continue to monitor the storm closely because even a small change in its track could alter conditions across western Hawaii.

Hurricane Lowell is heading towards Hawaii from the Southwest

Source: CNN

Life-Threatening Surf and Heavy Rain Risks

Hurricane Lowell is expected to bring dangerous surf and heavy rainfall to parts of Hawaii as it passes west of the islands. 

Large swells could create life-threatening surf and rip currents, especially along exposed beaches, while coastal areas could also face flooding and inundation.

Kauai and Niihau are forecast to receive around 6 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching 14 inches.

The Big Island could see 4 to 8 inches, with some locations receiving up to 12 inches. 

The heaviest rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable areas of Kauai and the Big Island.

The combination of large waves, high tides and storm conditions could also push seawater into low-lying coastal areas.

On Kauai, coastal flooding and inundation are possible as Lowell passes nearby.

The National Hurricane Center advises residents and visitors to stay alert as conditions deteriorate. 

People in affected areas should avoid dangerous beaches and waterways, secure essential supplies and follow local emergency instructions as the storm approaches.

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Hurricane Lowell is forecast to bring dangerous surf and heavy rainfall

Hurricane Lowell Is the Latest Storm to Threaten Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell is the third tropical system to threaten Hawaii in just over three weeks, following Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke. 

Lala caused significant damage, particularly on the Big Island, while Moke brought another round of tropical weather to the islands. 

The repeated threats have made this an unusually active period for Hawaii.

The Pacific has also seen three hurricanes active at the same time: Lowell, Karina and Marie. 

While Karina and Marie were not posing the same threat to Hawaii, their presence highlights the high level of tropical activity across the Pacific.

Satellite image of hurricanes Lowell, Karina, and Marie on Friday, Sep 4, 2026

Source: RAMMB/CIRA/CSU

The active pattern comes as a strong El Niño develops across the Pacific.

Unusually warm ocean waters can provide more energy for tropical cyclones and influence atmospheric conditions that support storm development. 

El Niño does not directly cause Lowell, but it can create a more favorable environment for tropical activity.

Hawaii officials are urging residents to prepare essential supplies and first-aid kits and continue monitoring updates from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC).

People are also advised to stay away from beaches and avoid swimming or surfing in areas under high-surf warnings. 

Dangerous waves and strong currents can pose serious risks even when the storm remains offshore.

Stay ahead of the storm. Check Kauai’s 3-day forecast for the latest rain, wind, and weather conditions.