gg2
Hurricane tracker Hawaii
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Hurricane Lowell, a Category 4 storm, is forecast to turn toward Hawaii. The storm could bring storm surge, wind, and rainfall to the islands.
Background
Hawaii's hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically peaking between July and October. Lowell is one of several storms churning in the Pacific, and its track is being influenced by the jet stream and Hurricane Karina. The storm is expected to approach the western Hawaiian Islands early next week, with potential impacts even if it does not make landfall.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026Hurricane Lowell exploded to Category 5 strength with 160-mph winds, becoming the seventh Category 5 hurricane on record in the central Pacific.
- Sep 3, 2026Forecasters predicted a sharp right turn toward Hawaii over the weekend, with swells arriving across the island chain and surf advisories issued.
- Sep 4, 2026Lowell weakened to Category 4 but remained powerful, with the latest track shifting slightly west. A tropical storm warning was issued for Hawaii's offshore waters.
- Sep 5, 2026Lowell remained a Category 4 storm tracking just west of Hawaii, with tropical storm conditions possible in Kauai County by late Monday.
- Sep 6, 2026Forecasters expected Lowell to turn toward Hawaii, with potential impacts including storm surge, wind, and rainfall, though the exact track remained uncertain.
Who’s saying what
- Forecasters
- Lowell could bring storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts to portions of Hawaii early next week, but it is too soon to determine the exact track.
- Meteorologists
- A shift of less than 100 miles east of the current forecast track would mean more direct impacts from a potential Category 3 hurricane.
- Officials
- Tropical storm warnings and surf advisories are in effect, with high surf and dangerous rip currents expected across the island chain.