Hawaii declares state of emergency as Hurricane Lowell approaches

Hawaii declared a state of emergency in light of the approach of Hurricane Lowell, which is expected to pass close to the islands between Monday night (7) and Tuesday morning (8).

The phenomenon was in category 3 this Sunday (6), with winds of up to 200 km/h, but the forecast is that it will lose strength before reaching the archipelago.

🌪️The forecast indicates that Lowell should pass about 200 km west of Niihau and 270 km west of Kauai (two islands in the American state).

Although the projected path will keep the center of the hurricane away from the main islands, strong winds, heavy rain, high waves and dangerous conditions are expected along the coast.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Kauai and Niihau. Authorities also warn of the risk of flooding and landslides caused by the rain.

Third storm to threaten Hawaii in as many weeks

Lowell is the third tropical system in just over three weeks to threaten Hawaii. Before it, Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke hit or passed through the region, bringing heavy rain, winds and damage.

🌪️The sequence of storms occurs during a period of unusual activity in the Pacific. Over the weekend, hurricanes Karina, Lowell and Marie were simultaneously active in the region, something that had not happened in about a decade.

Increased activity also occurs during an exceptionally strong El Niño. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the phenomenon has an almost 100% probability of continuing until February 2027 and could change rainfall and temperature patterns in several parts of the world.

➡️ NOAA, the American agency for oceans and atmosphere, estimates that there is a 69% chance that the current El Niño will be the strongest in the last 70 years.

The phenomenon is associated with the abnormal warming of Pacific waters and may favor changes in atmospheric circulation and storm formation patterns.

Hurricane Lowell approaches Hawaii in a satellite image from September 6, 2026. — Photo: NOAA via AP