Hurricane Lowell forecast: Watches issued as storm nears Hawaii

Hurricane Lowell continued its trek near the Hawaiian Islands on Saturday, Sept. The storm, a Category 4 with sustained 130 mph winds, is forecast to approach the islands Monday night, Labor Day. The center of the hurricane is expected to move just west of the main Hawaiian Islands. The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for Kauai County and a hurricane watch for portions of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument late Saturday. The storm, now moving west-northwest at just 5 mph, is forecast to turn northward to north-northeastward with an increase in forward speed Sunday and Monday, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest update.

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Scoop News DeskSpecific city/county not stated, Hawaii · Published Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 4:38 AM UTCUpdated Monday, September 7, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC

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This is because the storm's forward motion adds to its rotating winds, producing the highest wind speeds and often the worst surge and tornado threat, according to Weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce. Several storm-related fatalities in 2026 have been linked to motorists attempting to cross flooded roadways. The weather service notes that storm surge and inland flooding remain the deadliest hurricane hazards and urged people to know their evacuation zone, follow evacuation orders and never drive on flooded roads.

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