CA, US & World
Hurricane Lowell Strengthens to Category 4 as Hawaii Prepares for Impacts
Hurricane Lowell has strengthened rapidly into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as Hawaii prepares for possible impacts early next week.
As of Friday, Lowell had maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and was moving west-southwest at about 7 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was approximately 615 miles south of Lihue on Kauai and 590 miles south-southwest of Honolulu.
Forecasters expect Lowell to continue moving generally westward before making a turn toward the north this weekend. The storm could pass close to Niihau and Kauai on Monday and Tuesday, although the exact track remains uncertain.
The National Hurricane Center said watches could be required for portions of the westernmost Hawaiian Islands as early as Saturday. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has declared a state of emergency as officials prepare for the possibility of storm impacts. The state is deploying additional resources, including high-water vehicles to Kauai.
Kauai officials have also been clearing drainage systems and staging equipment in areas vulnerable to flooding. Some state parks have closed camping areas ahead of the storm.
Even if Lowell does not make a direct landfall, officials are warning about dangerous surf, rip currents and coastal flooding. The National Weather Service says major coastal flooding is possible on Kauai, with significant coastal flooding also possible on Oahu.
The storm's eventual track will depend in part on an area of low pressure north of Hawaii that is expected to help pull Lowell toward the north. Forecast models currently show a wide range of possible outcomes, from a direct impact on Kauai or Oahu to a path hundreds of miles west of the islands.
The National Hurricane Center says confidence in the forecast should increase after Lowell makes its expected turn this weekend.
Hawaii is already recovering from recent tropical systems, including Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke. State officials are urging residents to prepare for possible impacts from Lowell and have supplies on hand.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 4, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?
Now Open! The new Agua Caliente gas station on Highway 111 in Cathedral City is officially open. A new stop for drivers in the Coachella Valley. Have you checked it out yet? #CathedralCity #AguaCaliente #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprin
A fire broke out Thursday morning at the KESQ News Channel 3 station in Thousand Palms, disrupting its morning broadcast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire has been extinguished, and restoration efforts are underway. Station leaders told NBC Palm Springs they planned to return to the air at noon. We’re glad everyone is safe. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. #ThousandPalms #KESQ #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
🚨 FIRE AT KESQ WHILE ON AIR! A fire broke out inside the KESQ news station in Thousand Palms around 5 a.m. this morning, forcing the station off the air. 🔥 The fire started in an equipment room where cameras and batteries are stored. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS INJURED. The cause and extent of the damage remain unknown as the station works to get back on air. ❤️🩹 #KESQ #ThousandPalms #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Four or against daylight saving?
James Talarico is advocating for a solution to immigration enforcement that rejects "the extremism on this issue in both parties." Talarico said, "Joe Biden failed us during his administration." And now, under the Trump administration, Talarico said there is a "different kind of extremism" in enforcement.
Jeff Zeleny breaks down Texas Democrat James Talarico's performance at a CNN Town Hall, where voters questioned him on religion, abortion and more.
New findings reveal what led to the death of Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley. A necropsy confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) as the primary cause of her decline. The infection caused a severe stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial infection. Testing also detected rat poison in Jackie’s liver, but officials say it was not identified as the primary cause of her death. Tests were negative for West Nile virus, and lead levels were within acceptable limits. Jackie’s mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley. Officials say there is no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets are sick. Jackie’s story captured hearts across the country and brought attention to bald eagle conservation. #JackieTheEagle #BigBear #BaldEagles #WildlifeConservation #BirdFlu #NBCPalmSprings
As discussion around flock cameras continues to spark greater conversations about surveillance and security, the Palm Springs Police Department is expected to provide an update on their flock camera program at tonight’s city council meeting. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we bring the latest details on this discussion #flockcameras #palmsprings #citycouncil #coachellavalley #760
A potent cold front will finally bring widespread fall-like temperatures to much of the central and eastern US.