Officials urge residents to prepare as Lowell shifts toward Kauaʻi

Published on September 03, 2026

LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is urging residents to begin preparations now as the forecast track for Hurricane Lowell has shifted closer to the County of Kauaʻi.

"As of Thursday morning, the forecast is confident of the strength of Hurricane Lowell, but still uncertain of its path," said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We are urging everyone to prepare now. Build your kit, fill your gas tank, secure your yard, check on your neighbors and your kūpuna, and talk story with your ʻohana about your plan before the weekend arrives. If Lowell passes us by, we will have lost nothing but a little time. If it does not, we will be grateful we started today.”

According to the National Weather Service, Kauaʻi is now within the forecast uncertainty cone for Monday, Sept. 7. Lowell remains south of the state and is still forecast to pass west of Kauaʻi, but the track has trended eastward, toward the island.

As of 5 a.m. Thursday, Hurricane Lowell was centered about 605 miles southeast of Līhuʻe, moving west at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The system is now forecast to turn sharply to the north on Saturday, earlier than previously expected, and is expected to remain a major hurricane through at least Monday night. Forecasters anticipate Lowell will be a Category 3 hurricane when it makes its closest approach to Kauaʻi County on Monday afternoon or evening.

Forecasters caution that confidence in the extended track remains low. Sharp changes in direction are difficult to predict, and the storm’s exact path will determine how significant the impacts to Kauaʻi are. The track could still shift farther east and closer to the island, or move away.

No tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings are in effect for Kauaʻi at this time. Should the current forecast hold, watches could be issued this weekend.

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. Officials are also in close communication with organizers of The Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon and other community events.

“We urge our community to prepare now,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “Lowell is still several days away, and a storm making a sharp turn like this one is difficult to pin down. Models have shown that the track has moved east, towards Kaua‘i. Our teams are coordinating with the National Weather Service and our partners around the clock. What we ask of our community right now is to get ready, and stay with official sources, sign up for our notification service Everbridge, so we can reach you when it matters.”

Weather Forecast

Strong and gusty trade winds are expected to continue across Kauaʻi through Sunday, with gusts over 50 mph possible in some areas, particularly over and downwind of terrain and in exposed locations. Passing showers will primarily affect windward and mauka areas, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.

Surf is the most immediate concern. A building south to southeast swell from Hurricane Lowell is expected to bring elevated surf along south-facing shores over the next several days, with surf possibly reaching warning levels. The swell is expected to become more southerly as Lowell moves west into Saturday. Swells from Hurricane Karina are expected along east-facing shores beginning Saturday and continuing into early next week.d

The most significant surf is expected Monday, when a large south to southwest swell from Lowell is forecast to arrive at the same time as the month’s highest tides. Extreme surf and coastal flooding are possible along south- and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi. Residents and visitors should stay well away from the shoreline during this period, and coastal property owners should prepare accordingly.

The potential for flash flooding remains limited through Saturday. That potential increases Sunday and Monday, and significant flooding is possible on Kauaʻi depending on the storm’s rainbands and exact track. Lowell’s forward speed is expected to increase Monday, which would limit the duration of the heaviest rainfall.

Wind impacts on Monday depend heavily on the storm’s exact track. Significant and damaging winds are possible across Kauaʻi County, and if the track shifts closer, major hurricane-force winds of more than 110 mph sustained, with higher gusts, are possible.

Hurricane Karina, now a Category 3 hurricane, is forecast to move north of the state and weaken significantly over the coming days. Forecasters are also watching a third system in the eastern Pacific, which is not currently expected to be significant for Hawaiʻi.

Forecasts can change, and KEMA encourages residents to stay informed through kauai.gov, the County’s official social media channels, and other official sources.

Refuge Areas

No refuge areas are open at this time. Should conditions change and refuge areas be 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.

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.

Preparedness

County officials strongly encourage the public to check and replenish their emergency disaster kits now, rather than waiting for the weekend. 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

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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