Hurricane Local Statement
107
WTHW80 PHFO 070322
HLSHFO
HIZ001-003-004-006-007-009>011-015>018-022-023-026>054-071130-
Hurricane Lowell Local Statement Advisory Number 44
National Weather Service Honolulu HI EP122026
522 PM HST Sun Sep 6 2026
This product covers the Hawaiian islands
**HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE AND TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED FOR NIIHAU AND KAUAI**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Niihau and Kauai
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Kauai and Niihau
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 500 miles south-southwest of Lihue
- 15.9N 163.5W
- Storm Intensity 120 mph
- Movement North or 10 degrees at 9 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
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At 5 PM HST, the eye of major Hurricane Lowell was located about
500 miles south-southwest of Kauai. Lowell has maximum sustained winds
of 120 mph, and continues to move north, slightly faster, at 9 mph.
Lowell is expected to turn north-northeast and continue to accelerate
tonight through Tuesday while gradually weakening. The current track of
Lowell has shifted slightly farther east now putting the closet
approach of the eye of Lowell roughly 70 to 90 miles west of Niihau
Monday night into Tuesday.
Winds will gradually strengthen locally tonight and Monday, reaching
tropical storm strength, sustained 39 mph or higher, Monday evening
for Kauai and Niihau as the eastern side of Lowell's circulation
passes just west Niihau. Even higher gusts, 74 mph or more, are possible
over Kauai and Niihau where winds are accelerated by terrain. Current
track forecast and trends have Lowell shifting farther east, closer
Niihau, if this trend continues, Niihau and Kauai could experience
winds hurricane strength or greater, sustained 74 mph or higher. A
Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Niihau and Kauai. Plan to have
your preparations for damaging winds complete by midday Monday, with
winds peaking Monday night.
A very large shield of deep tropical moisture surrounding Lowell is
spreading northward over the main Hawaiian islands from south to north,
increasing showers and producing isolated thunderstorms. Squally downpours
could lead to flash flooding, along with mudslides in steep terrain. Rainbands
could become persistent and anchored in some areas, which would exacerbate
the flash flood threat. The risk of flash flooding and mudslides is greatest
for Kauai and Niihau, but also exists for all other islands as well due
to the extent of the moisture associated with Lowell. Over a foot of rain
is possible over portions of Kauai, mainly over the interior mountains.
Surf is expected to rapidly building overnight and Monday along south
and west facing shores. A High Surf Warning is now in effect for all
south facing shores and west facing shores of the Big Island through
Monday night. Dangerously large surf and coastal inundation are
expected along the immediate coast of exposed south and west facing
shores, particularly Niihau, Kauai and possibly Oahu. The highest surf
may reach 20 to 30 feet for Kauai and Niihau by Monday night, before
diminishing on Tuesday. A combination of higher than predicted water
levels, storm surge, and surf will lead to significant beach erosion,
with water potentially washing onto vulnerable low-lying coastal
roadways, especially at and around the daily high tides. The worst
impacts are expected for Niihau and Kauai.
Conditions will become favorable for fast-moving, short-lived
waterspouts and tornadoes in the rainbands associated with Lowell,
especially near Niihau and Kauai, Monday afternoon. This threat will
continue into Monday night, then diminish quickly Tuesday morning.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
objects become dangerous projectiles.
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
routes impassable.
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
in areas with above ground lines.
Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential
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.
Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant
impacts across the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands from Oahu to the
Big Island.
* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across Niihau and Kauai. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across Niihau and Kauai. Potential 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 main Hawaiian Islands from Oahu to the Big Island.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.
If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.
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.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
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.
Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
* 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
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Honolulu HI around 11 PM HST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.