Full Notification

HNL Alert from the Oahu Department of Emergency Management

Issued: 11:46 PM 09-07-2026  

Hurricane Lowell Update #1

Details 

The City and County of Honolulu is urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel overnight as Hurricane Lowell continues to move past the Hawaiian Islands.

As of 11 p.m. Monday, Hurricane Lowell was approximately 190 miles west-northwest of Honolulu. The storm was located near latitude 21.9 North and longitude 160.8 West and was moving north-northeast at 18 mph.

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Kauaʻi County, including Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, while a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Oʻahu.

The core of Lowell is forecast to pass near or just west of Niʻihau tonight and early Tuesday. While the center of the hurricane is expected to remain west of Oʻahu, the storm is both large and close enough that tropical-storm conditions are expected on Oʻahu this evening.

Board of Water Supply:
The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is asking all Oʻahu residents to use water sparingly and for priority needs only until further notice. This means using water for cooking, drinking and personal hygiene only.

Residents, especially those without power, should keep water use to an absolute minimum and should not fill containers with water. All of the BWS’s pumps need electricity to operate. This means that the BWS will have limited ability to pump water out of its wells and up to reservoirs during a power outage. Until power can be restored, the water left in the reservoirs will be all the water that is available, so it is essential that residents use water sparingly.

Customers without water can call the BWS at (808) 748-5000, ext. 1, and a roving water wagon will be sent to the affected area.

After power is restored, the BWS asks that residents continue to conserve water, as time is required to allow the electrically powered pumps to replenish reservoirs to normal levels.

Hurricane Refuge Area:
The City has opened a Hurricane Refuge Area at Nānākuli Elementary for residents and visitors in need of shelter during the storm.

Nānākuli Elementary School
89-778 Haleakala Avenue, Waiʻanae
Pet Friendly: Yes

Those seeking shelter are advised to bring their own food, water, medications, and other essential items whenever possible. This location is pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed or remain in a carrier. Owners are responsible for their pets and should bring necessary supplies.

City Offices and Non-Essential Services to Close Tuesday:
Mayor Rick Blangiardi has ordered the closure of all non-essential City and County of Honolulu offices and services on Tuesday, September 8.

The closure will allow emergency response and recovery operations to continue through the night and into Tuesday morning, while keeping unnecessary traffic off the roads as first responders and City crews assess conditions across the island.

All disaster response and recovery personnel, as well as employees designated by their departments and agencies, must report to work as directed. All other City and County of Honolulu employees will be granted administrative leave.

Department of Environmental Services:
Trash collection services will continue as scheduled with no changes to regular pickup days or times. Residents should place their trash out as usual and secure bins to prevent them from being blown or washed away.

Department of Parks and Recreation:
Due to the inclement weather conditions, all Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) classes and field use permits scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled, as well as the People’s Open Market.

The department will be focusing on clearing tree debris from strong tropical-storm-force winds and ensuring park facilities are safe to reopen on Wednesday.

Residents and visitors should continue monitoring official City and National Weather Service information and sign up for emergency notifications through HNL Alert at HNLAlert.gov.

To receive urgent alerts through text message, text HNLALERT to 888-777.