Hurricane Local Statement
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HIZ001-003-004-006-007-009>011-015>018-022-023-026>054-082330-
Hurricane Lowell Local Statement Advisory Number 50
National Weather Service Honolulu HI EP122026
517 AM HST Tue Sep 8 2026
This product covers the Hawaiian islands
**HURRICANE LOWELL BEGINNING TO MOVE AWAY**
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 150 miles northwest of Lihue or about 240 miles northwest
of Honolulu
- 23.7N 160.7W
- Storm Intensity 90 mph
- Movement North or 360 degrees at 18 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Hurricane Lowell has reached its closest point to the main Hawaiian
Islands around midnight and will begin moving away from the islands
this morning. However, this is not the time to let your guard down.
Damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall, and extremely dangerous and
damaging surf will occur across the Hawaiian Islands at least through
the morning, and possibly through the day. A Hurricane Warning remains
in effect for Kauai and Niihau, and a Tropical Storm Warning for Oahu.
Current wind gusts appear to be in the 40 to 50 mph range on Kauai,
and 30 to 40 mph range on Oahu. It is important to note that winds can be
accelerated over and downwind of terrain, leading to areas of stronger
wind gusts. Winds will rapidly drop of by this afternoon.
Heavy downpours could lead to flash flooding on already saturated
grounds. Lingering rain bands will continue into Wednesday as Lowell
lifts away to the north and drags additonal tropical moisture in the
southerly flow. Additional rainfall for this event are 2 to 4 inches
on Kauai, 1 to 2 inches on Oahu and Maui County, and 3 to 6 inches on
Big Island with higher amounts occurring on south and eastern slopes.
A large south to southwest swell iwill continue this morning with
heights of 15 to 20 feet across south and west facing shores of Kauai
and 10 to 14 feet across the remaining south and west shorelines. Surf
is forecast to rapidly drop off by this afternoon.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Kauai and Niihau. Remain well sheltered from dangerous
wind having possible significant 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 are also now unfolding
across Oahu. Remain well sheltered from wind having limited to
extensive impacts.
Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* 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:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time
across the Hawaiian islands.
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.
* 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 8 AM HST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.