Hurricane Lowell Weakens to Category 4, Hawaii Under State of Emergency
Hurricane Lowell Weakens to Category 4, Hawaii Under State of Emergency
US · Published Sep 5, 2026
Hurricane Lowell briefly regained Category 5 strength south of Hawaii on September 4, 2026, with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) before weakening to Category 4 six hours later.
As of 23:00 HST, the hurricane was located approximately 1,000 km (625 miles) south-southwest of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, and 985 km (610 miles) south-southwest of Honolulu, moving west at 11 km/h (7 mph).

Impact & Risks

Hurricane Lowell poses significant risks to Hawaii, including heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and mudslides, especially in steep terrain. Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island could see rainfall totals of 76–152 mm (3–6 inches), with localized amounts exceeding 254 mm (10 inches). Maui may receive 51–102 mm (2–4 inches), while other islands could see 25–51 mm (1–2 inches). Life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected, with south-facing surf on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu forecast at 2.4–3.7 m (8–12 feet). Swells may produce extra-large surf above warning thresholds early next week, compounded by high tides.

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