4:40 p.m., Sept. 5, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update

Published on September 05, 2026

Kauai Emergency Management Agency News Release

LĪHUʻE – The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Kauaʻi County, including Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the south. 

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions, sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are possible in the area, generally within the next 48 hours. It is not an evacuation order. It is the signal to finish your preparations now, while conditions are still good. If evacuations become necessary, County officials provide updates. 

The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is urging residents to complete their storm preparations today. Secure loose items around your yard, fill your gas tank, charge your devices, refill prescriptions, and make sure your household has water, food, and supplies on hand.

Mayor Kawakami has signed an Emergency Proclamation in anticipation of severe weather.

KEMA continues to coordinate closely with county, state, and federal partners, as well as with non-governmental organizations and community partners, and will provide updates as conditions warrant. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor official County channels for updates as the forecast develops.

Weather Forecast (NEW UPDATE)

As of the National Weather Service's 11 a.m. advisory Saturday, Hurricane Lowell was about 635 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, moving west-northwest at 7 mph with top winds of 145 mph.

Forecasters expect Lowell to turn north Sunday and pass roughly 100 to 200 miles west of Kauaʻi County late Monday and Monday night, still a major hurricane.

Watches will likely be required for Kauaʻi County later today. A watch means those conditions are possible here within about 48 hours. It is the signal to finish preparing, not to evacuate. If evacuations become necessary, County officials will say so directly.

Even with the center passing to our west, Kauaʻi will feel this storm. Heavy rain arrives Sunday afternoon and continues into early next week, with 4 to 6 inches expected and more than 10 inches possible in spots. That much rain can cause flash flooding and mudslides, especially on steep slopes.

Lowell's waves will bring life-threatening surf and strong currents to Kauaʻi shores. Surf on south- and west-facing shores could get extra large early next week, hitting at the same time as the month's highest tides, which could affect harbor entrances and channels, coastal roads, and shoreline properties. Stay back from the shoreline and out of the water.

Refuge Areas

The County, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has identified the following potential refuge areas ahead of Hurricane Lowell: 

  • Kīlauea Neighborhood Center located at 2460 Keneke Street in Kīlauea;
  • Kapaʻa Middle School located at 4867 Olohena Road in Kapaʻa;
  • Kauaʻi High School Gym located at 3577 Lala Road in Līhuʻe;
  • Kalāheo Neighborhood Center located at 4480 Papalina Road in Kalāheo;
  • Waimea Canyon Middle School located at 9555 Huakai Road in Waimea.

These refuge areas are not open at this time. Updates will be provided if and when they are opened. 

Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.

The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas. 

KEMA released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue news releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.

Facilities Closures

The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will be closed Sunday, Sept. 6, due to anticipated inclement weather.

Additional County services and facilities may close on little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.

The Pacific Missile Range Facility will temporarily close its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites beginning at 12 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Lowell. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has implemented the following closures due to incoming inclement weather:

  • Polihale State Park is closed to overnight camping and day use until further notice.
  • The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is closed to overnight camping until further notice.
  • The Kalalau Trail remains open for day use only today, Sept. 5, as far as Hanakāpīʻai. The Kalalau Trail will close in its entirety beginning tomorrow, Sept. 6, until further notice.
  • The Hāʻena Shuttle will continue to operate for day use today, Sept. 5, of the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. The Hāʻena Shuttle will be suspended beginning tomorrow, Sept. 6, until further notice.

The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) arrived by helicopter this morning to notify overnight visitors that they must leave the area immediately.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife has closed all State Forest Reserves until further notice.

The Līhuʻe Airport remains open. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding delays, cancellations, or other changes.

Monitor weather forecasts and conditions, and do not go hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, or participate in other outdoor and ocean recreation if hazards are forecast or present. Outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.

Pre-Storm Mitigation Work

Department of Public Works crews at the County’s district baseyards have conducted storm preparations, including clearing ditches, cleaning drains, and checking and fueling equipment. Crews have pre-staged equipment in flood-prone areas so they can respond quickly if flooding or other storm impacts occur. County crews have prepared signs, cones, barricades, and electronic message boards for deployment during road closures, traffic control, and public alerts as conditions change.

Preparedness

County officials encourage the public to continue checking and replenishing emergency disaster kits over the next few days. There is no need to purchase everything at once. Emergency disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs. A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate. County, state, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and actively coordinate in preparation for this potential event.

The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go.

Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:

  • Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment
  • Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
  • Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
  • Stay away from downed lines and report to 9-1-1
  • Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts

Road Closures/Conditions

There are no road closures at this time. Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.

Other important numbers and resources

To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:

  • Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
  • National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
  • Kauaʻi Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org
  • Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725

Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

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