Weather
Hawaii Braces for Hurricane Lowell: Category 5 Potential as Outer Bands Approach Sunday
Hawaii faces potential Category 5 Hurricane Lowell as it nears the islands. Prepare for high winds and heavy rain starting Sunday; stay tuned for updates.
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-09-04T22:41:48.462Z
Lihue, Hawaii – Residents across the Hawaiian Islands must prepare for significant weather shifts as Hurricane Lowell, currently packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, churns in the Pacific. The system is moving west southwest at 7 mph and is expected to reach category 5 status late today or tonight. While the track has been nudged slightly west of Kauai, the storm remains a serious threat as it approaches the state, with outer rain bands poised to reach Hawaii late Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu , the storm is located approximately 600 miles south of Lihue. Although confidence is growing in the track, uncertainty remains regarding the intensity of the turn the system will take. Officials urge residents to monitor the situation closely throughout the weekend. As the storm passes near Kauai County late Monday, the impacts will likely include heavy rainfall and potential tropical storm force winds.
Emergency management teams advise that the earliest reasonable arrival time of tropical storm force winds begins Sunday evening for parts of the islands. Residents should finalize emergency supply kits, ensure all mobile devices are fully charged, and clear outdoor spaces of loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. Stay tuned to local news for updates on potential watches or warnings as the system evolves.
The threat will persist through early next week as the system tracks northwest. Further updates from the National Hurricane Center will clarify the exact timing of impacts for each island. Please remain vigilant and heed guidance from local civil defense authorities as the outer bands begin their approach this weekend.