Technology and Science06 September, 20263 min read
Hurricane Lowell Threatens Kauai and Ni'ihau With Storm Surge, High Winds, Flooding Rain
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Tropical storm warnings or watches issued for Kauai and Niihau as Lowell approaches. Forecasts call for heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf across the islands.
Lowell braces Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell neared the Hawaiian Islands as tropical storm warnings were issued for Kauai and Ni'ihau, with the storm forecast to bring storm surge, high winds and flooding rainfall.
The Weather Channel said Lowell was about 575 miles south-southwest of Lihue and 595 miles southwest of Honolulu, and that it rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to only the second Category 5 hurricane of the 2026 Pacific season before weakening to a Category 3.
CNN reported Lowell had winds of 125 mph as a Category 3 hurricane and said its center was expected to pass within about 120 miles west of Ni'ihau or 160 miles west of Kauai from later Monday night through Tuesday morning.
CNN also said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency for the entire state on Thursday to free up state resources and activate Hawaii National Guard units.
The Weather Channel warned that waves could reach up to 14 feet and that rainfall of 6 to 10 inches for Kauai could reach maximum totals of 14 inches.
Officials urge preparation
NBC News said Hurricane Lowell threatens Hawaiian Islands with life-threatening surf and quoted National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist John Bravender saying, "Just because we’re on the edge of the cone doesn’t mean we’re safe."
NBC News also said Gov. Josh Green told residents, "We are taking Hurricane Lowell extremely seriously and preparing now, before conditions deteriorate," and urged people in Kauaʻi County to complete preparations and stay away from floodwaters and dangerous surf.
USA TODAY reported that a tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours, and said tropical storm-force winds extend out up to 175 miles from the center of the storm.
USA TODAY added that the National Weather Service said a flood watch is in effect through 6 p.m. HT on Sept. 8 for Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, The Big Island and Kahoolawe.
The Weather Channel said the most certain impact is an increase in surf across Hawaii through Labor Day and advised people to stay out of the water if they are not a strong swimmer or surfer.
Rain, surge, and watches
The Weather Channel forecast rainfall of 4 to 8 inches for the Big Island with isolated totals of 12 inches possible, while CNN said Lowell was forecast to drop 6 to 8 inches of rain on Kauai, Niihau and the Big Island with isolated totals over 12 inches possible. USA TODAY said the entire island chain is forecast to receive heavy rain early in the week that could trigger flash flooding, and it reported a 100% chance of rain on Labor day. Le soir d'Algérie reported that Lowell rapidly intensified and that the archipelago governor, Josh Green, declared a state of emergency across the entire state to facilitate preparations for potential impacts.
USA TODAY also said 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. CNN warned that the National Hurricane Center has warned of "significant flash flooding and mudslides," especially in steep terrain, as Hawaii braces for dangerous surf and heavy rain.