Active Weather Alerts
Tropical Weather Statement
Issued: 8:58 AM Sep. 8, 2026 – National Weather Service
This product covers the Hawaiian islands **HURRICANE LOWELL AT ITS CLOSEST POINT TO HAWAII** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai South, Kauai Southwest, and Niihau - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Oahu, East Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Honolulu Metro, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, Waianae Coast, and Waianae Mountains * STORM INFORMATION: - About 140 miles west-southwest of Lihue or about 210 miles west of Honolulu - 20.9N 161.1W - Storm Intensity 110 mph - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 18 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Lowell has reached its closest point to the main Hawaiian Islands. Expect damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall, and extremely dangerous and damaging surf to occur over portions of the Hawaiian Islands and into Tuesday morning. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Kauai and Niihau, and a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Oahu. Storm preparations should be complete. Damaging winds are now occurring on Kauai, Niihau and Oahu. Wind gust reports since midday show highest values across Oahu and Kauai County from 50 to 80 mph, with peak winds expected to last for a few more hours tonight. It is important to note that winds can be accelerated over and downwind of terrain, leading to areas of stronger wind gusts. As winds shift to south overnight, areas affected by downslope wind gusts will likely change. Heavy downpours could lead to flash flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain, and rainbands could become persistent and anchored in some areas, exacerbating the flash flood threat. The risk of flash flooding is greatest for Kauai and Niihau, where many stations have measured 2 to 10 inches of rain with higher values in the upper elevations. The flood threat also exists for all other islands due to deep moisture surrounding Lowell. Over 20 inches of storm total rain is possible over portions of Kauai, mainly over the interior mountains, and up 12 inches remains possible over southeast Big Island. An extremely large south to southwest swell generated by Lowell will continue to rapidly build through the evening and peak tonight. A High Surf Warning is in effect for south-facing shores of all islands and for west-facing shores of the Big Island. Dangerously large and damaging surf and coastal inundation are expected along the immediate coast of exposed south and west-facing shores, particularly on Kauai and Niihau and possibly Oahu. The highest surf may reach 20 to 30 feet on Kauai and Niihau tonight, then rapidly diminish on Tuesday. Extra large surf, on top of 1 to 4 feet of storm surge, will generate major wave run-up and coastal inundation along exposed low lying areas of south and west-facing shores, particularly for Kauai and Niihau and possibly for Oahu. Conditions will be conducive for fast-moving, short-lived waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell, mainly near Kauai and Niihau. This threat will continue through tonight, then diminish quickly Tuesday morning. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Kauai and Niihau. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months. - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Widespread power and communications outages. Potential impacts from the main wind event will develop across Oahu this evening. Remain well sheltered from wind having limited to extensive impacts. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are unfolding across Kauai and Niihau. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are unfolding across the rest of the State of Hawaii. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having significant impacts. * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge and damaging surf event are now unfolding across Kauai and Niihau. Remain well away from life-threatening surge and extremely large surf having significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf overtopping nearby roadways. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, very large surf may produce coastal inundation and some impacts to shoreline infrastructure. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are unfolding across Kauai and Niihau. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the rest of the State of Hawaii. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. If you are prone to flooding be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu HI around 5 AM HST, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Small Craft Advisory
Issued: 2:57 AM Sep. 8, 2026 – National Weather Service
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 13 to 18 feet. * WHERE...Kaiwi Channel, Maui County Windward Waters, Maui County Leeward Waters, Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Windward Waters, Big Island Leeward Waters and Big Island Southeast Waters. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions. &&
High Surf Advisory
Issued: 1:51 AM Sep. 8, 2026 – National Weather Service
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Surf of 7 to 10 feet. * WHERE...East facing shores of Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Big Island. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Moderate. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don't go out. &&
Flood Watch
Issued: 1:23 AM Sep. 8, 2026 – National Weather Service
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Oahu, Maui County, Big Island * WHEN...Through Tuesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Moisture along the eastern flank of Hurricane Lowell will bring periods of heavy rain to the main Hawaiian islands through Tuesday. - Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, The Big Island and Kahoolawe. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. &&
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