Major Hurricane Lowell poised for dramatic turn toward Hawaii, raising threat of direct impact
A state of emergency was declared on Sept. 2 in preparation for the storm.
Category 4 hurricane treks toward Hawaii, potentially making rare direct hit
FOX Weather is live tracking Hurricane Lowell as it barrels toward Hawaii. The monster Category 4 storm could make a rare direct impact, potentially causing significant damage to the islands.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Lowell threatens Hawaii with wind, rain, flooding and dangerous surf.
- The hurricane peaked at Category 5 strength with 160 mph winds.
- Lowell is expected to maintain major hurricane strength on its approach to Hawaii.
Lowell is forecast to make a dramatic turn in the Pacific, raising the threat of a direct strike on the western Hawaiian Islands as a monster hurricane.
As Hurricane Lowell churns across the open Pacific, residents and visitors are closely monitoring the powerful storm as shifting atmospheric conditions steer it sharply northward on a potentially dangerous track toward the western Hawaiian Islands, threatening damaging winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and dangerous surf around Labor Day.
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Though Lowell has slightly weakened, it's still ripping as a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and a minimum central pressure of 945 MB, as it continues to barrel West in the Pacific Ocean roughly 465 miles south south-west of Hilo, Hawaii.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, although most forecast models keep the storm west of Hawaii, guidance has trended closer to the islands, raising the potential for significant impacts early next week, including huge waves and gusty winds on Kauaʻi.
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Hurricane Lowell reached Category 5 strength on Wednesday. (FOX Weather)
After forming in the Eastern Pacific and earning its name on Aug. 27, Lowell steadily strengthened as it churned across the open ocean before exploding in intensity Wednesday.
In just 24 hours, its maximum sustained winds surged by 70 mph — from 90 mph to a peak of 160 mph — making Lowell the first Category 5 hurricane in the Central Pacific since Walaka in October 2018.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Lowell is forecast to remain a major hurricane through Monday morning before weakening, though it is expected to maintain hurricane strength into Tuesday as it moves near the western Hawaiian Islands.
What will cause Hurricane Lowell's dramatic shift towards the islands?
Over the weekend, Hurricane Lowell is forecast to set its sights on the Hawaiian Islands thanks to an unfavorable atmospheric pattern, luring the major hurricane closer to the Aloha State.
A dip in the upper atmosphere over the Pacific is expected to weaken the ridge steering Lowell westward, allowing the hurricane to curve sharply northward and pass near or west of the westernmost main Hawaiian Islands early next week.
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross said, "We are seeing a dip in the jet stream is really diving down near Hawaii, and that's exactly what's going to grab Lowell and pull it north."
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Hawaii preparations
Hawaii is no stranger to powerful tropical systems this hurricane season, with Hurricane Lala followed closely by Tropical Storm Moke and now Lowell, which could bring the islands their most significant tropical impacts of the season so far.
The Pacific is raging with tropical activity, with Lowell among three hurricanes churning simultaneously as a brewing Super El Niño supercharges ocean heat and atmospheric conditions favorable for powerful storms.
On Sept. 2, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green issued a statewide emergency proclamation as the powerful tropical systems churned across the Pacific, paying specific attention to Lowell.
The proclamation activates the state’s major disaster fund, authorizes the Hawaii National Guard to respond if needed, directs state agencies to support emergency operations and requires utilities and other critical infrastructure operators to safeguard their system.
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Additionally, emergency officials in Honolulu and Kauaʻi and Maui counties are coordinating with state and federal partners while urging residents to replenish supplies, review emergency plans, secure loose outdoor objects and monitor official alerts.
A man watches debris flow along Ka'alaiki Road after Hurricane Lala in Naalehu, Hawaii, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. The Category 1 hurricane brought heavy rain and strong winds to the island of Hawaii before moving away without making landfall, causing extensive damage to towns along the island's southern end. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images / Getty Images)
This is an extremely powerful hurricane, and we are watching it very closely," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. "I’m asking everyone on Oʻahu to stay vigilant, follow the forecast and make sure you and your family are prepared. Don’t wait until the weekend. Take advantage of these extra days and get ready now."
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates on Hurricane Lowell’s track, intensity and future impacts.