Hurricane Lowell remained a powerful Category 4 storm south of Hawaii on Thursday, September 3, 2026, as forecasters warned people across the Hawaiian Islands to monitor its changing path.
According to the 5 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Lowell had maximum sustained winds of approximately 130 mph, with stronger gusts.
The storm was centered about 495 miles south-southwest of Hilo and approximately 590 miles south of Lihue. It was moving west at about 9 mph.
There were no coastal hurricane or tropical storm watches or warnings in effect for Hawaii at the time of the advisory. However, Lowell was expected to remain a major hurricane through the weekend before turning toward the northwest and north.
That anticipated turn has placed the storm under close observation because it could bring wind, rain, dangerous surf and storm-surge effects to portions of Hawaii early next week.
Residents and visitors should continue following official forecasts. The storm’s exact track, intensity and potential effects remain uncertain and could change significantly over the coming days.
Where Is Hurricane Lowell Now?
At 5 p.m. HST Thursday, the center of Hurricane Lowell was located near latitude 13.5 degrees north and longitude 158.9 degrees west.
That position placed the storm well south of the main Hawaiian Islands.
Lowell was moving toward the west at about 9 mph. Forecasters expected it to continue generally westward while gradually slowing during the following day or two.
The hurricane was then forecast to turn toward the northwest and eventually north during the weekend.
The timing and angle of that turn will play an important role in determining how close Lowell comes to Hawaii. Even a small change in the storm’s path could produce a meaningful difference in conditions across individual islands.
Forecast maps should not be interpreted as showing an exact route. The cone represents the probable path of the storm’s center, but hazardous weather can extend far outside that area.
How Strong Is Hurricane Lowell?
Lowell was a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds near 130 mph, according to observations from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft.
Category 4 hurricanes are capable of causing catastrophic damage when they make a direct landfall. However, Lowell was still hundreds of miles from Hawaii, and no landfall had been confirmed or predicted with certainty.
Hurricane-force winds extended outward as far as 45 miles from the center. Tropical-storm-force winds reached outward up to approximately 140 miles.
The minimum central pressure was estimated at 943 millibars.
Lowell previously reached Category 5 strength before weakening. Forecasters said additional fluctuations in intensity were possible but expected the system to remain a major hurricane through the weekend.
Intensity changes are common in strong tropical cyclones. Eyewall replacement cycles, wind shear, ocean temperatures and surrounding atmospheric conditions can cause a hurricane to strengthen or weaken over relatively short periods.
Is Hurricane Lowell Going to Hit Hawaii?
It is too early to say that Hurricane Lowell will directly hit Hawaii.
No hurricane or tropical storm watches had been issued for the islands as of Thursday evening. The center of the hurricane remained far to the south, and uncertainty increased farther into the forecast period.
Official guidance showed Lowell eventually turning northward, potentially bringing it closer to the western portion of the Hawaiian Island chain early next week.
The National Hurricane Center said the storm could bring wind, rainfall and storm-surge effects to portions of Hawaii. However, forecasters emphasized that it remained too soon to determine the exact magnitude or location of those effects.
People should avoid relying on a single forecast image or an unofficial social-media model.
Computer models can show different tracks because each model uses its own methods and assumptions. The official National Hurricane Center forecast accounts for multiple models, current observations, aircraft data and the judgment of experienced hurricane specialists.
Residents should follow each new advisory rather than assuming the current path will remain unchanged.
Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents Expected
Even if Lowell’s center remains offshore, the hurricane is expected to generate dangerous ocean conditions around Hawaii.
Swells from the storm could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents during the next several days.
Rip currents can carry swimmers away from shore quickly, including experienced swimmers. Beachgoers should follow warning signs, speak with lifeguards and remain out of the water when local officials advise them to do so.
Large waves can also create hazards on rocks, coastal paths, harbors and low-lying shorelines. People should avoid approaching the ocean simply to photograph the surf.
Boaters should carefully review marine forecasts and port information before leaving shore. Conditions can deteriorate long before the center of a hurricane reaches the area.
What Could Hawaii Experience?
The potential effects will depend heavily on Lowell’s eventual track, size and strength.
Possible hazards include:
- Strong and damaging winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Flash flooding
- Coastal flooding
- Storm surge
- Dangerous surf
- Life-threatening rip currents
- Falling trees and power outages
- Disruptions to flights and marine travel
The strongest conditions do not always occur directly along the projected center line. Rain bands can extend well away from a hurricane and affect areas that appear outside the forecast cone.
Mountainous terrain can also increase rainfall and create significant differences in wind conditions across relatively short distances.
Residents should pay attention to island-specific forecasts from the National Weather Service in Honolulu as Lowell moves closer.
How Hawaii Residents Can Prepare
People across the Hawaiian Islands do not need to panic, but this is a reasonable time to review hurricane preparations.
Households should make sure they have enough water, nonperishable food, medication and essential supplies. Flashlights, batteries, portable chargers and a battery-powered radio may be useful if electrical service is interrupted.
Residents should also:
- Review local evacuation zones
- Know the nearest emergency shelter
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Check generators and use them only outdoors
- Keep vehicles fueled or charged
- Protect important documents
- Prepare supplies for children, older adults and pets
- Enable official emergency alerts
- Follow instructions from county and state authorities
Visitors should learn which island and county they are staying in, monitor messages from their hotel or rental provider and avoid making decisions based solely on national headlines.
Travelers should also check directly with airlines because flight schedules may change if weather conditions worsen.
When Will Forecasters Know More?
Confidence should improve as Lowell approaches its expected turn during the weekend.
Aircraft missions, satellite observations and updated weather models will help forecasters determine whether the hurricane will pass safely away from the islands or move close enough to cause more serious effects.
New watches or warnings could be issued if tropical-storm or hurricane conditions become possible within the established warning periods.
A hurricane watch means dangerous conditions are possible. A hurricane warning means those conditions are expected. Residents should understand the difference and act promptly if either is issued.
For now, the most important message is that Lowell remained a major hurricane and Hawaii residents should continue monitoring its progress.
There was no coastal warning in effect Thursday evening, and a direct strike had not been confirmed. Still, the hurricane’s forecast turn and potential for dangerous surf, wind and rainfall mean the storm should be taken seriously.
Disclaimer: Hurricane forecasts can change rapidly. This article reflects official information available in the 5 p.m. HST advisory on September 3, 2026. Readers in Hawaii should follow the latest National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service and local emergency-management instructions.