Sonali Tiwary
During early September 2026, the Pacific tropical cyclone season showed active conditions with multiple storm systems in the Eastern and Central Pacific basins. On September 3, NOAA reported Major Hurricane Lowell approximately 450 miles south-southwest of Hilo with 140-mph sustained winds.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the National Hurricane Center tracked Lowell’s position and movement. Swells generated by the storm were expected to affect the Hawaiian Islands over the weekend, creating dangerous surf and rip current conditions.
NOAA advised interests in the Hawaiian Islands to monitor Lowell’s progress. Coastal forecast products emphasized the threat from swell, not only the storm center itself, because wave energy can reach shore before the core arrives.
