Weather
Kauai County Braces for Hurricane Lowell Impacts Starting Sunday Afternoon
Kauai County braces for Hurricane Lowell as heavy rain, life threatening surf, and high winds are expected across the Hawaiian Islands starting this Sunday.
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-09-05T18:12:19.367Z
Lihue, Hawaii – Residents across the Hawaiian Islands must prepare for significant weather disruptions as Hurricane Lowell tracks toward the western islands. With the storm expected to move close to the region late Monday and Monday night, the immediate focus is on life threatening surf, heavy rainfall, and potential wind damage that could impact daily life and safety through early next week.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the system will begin bringing heavy rainfall to the islands starting Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service information for Kauai County indicates that Kauai is at a particularly high risk for storm surge and wind impacts. Beyond the wind and rain, swells generated by Lowell will create life threatening surf and rip current conditions across the archipelago for the next several days, with intensity expected to increase by early next week.
Emergency officials emphasize the threat of locally significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas characterized by steep terrain. With isolated rainfall totals potentially reaching 8 to 10 inches in specific locations, residents should finalize their emergency plans now. This includes securing outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds and monitoring local government channels for potential evacuation notices or storm watches, which are expected to be issued as the system nears the islands.
The threat from Lowell is expected to persist well into the upcoming week. Residents are urged to stay clear of the coastline due to the dangerous surf and to avoid travel through flooded areas during heavy downpours. Additional updates will follow as the storm’s trajectory and intensity evolve over the coming days.