It became one of the strongest hurricanes of 2026 on Wednesday. A sharp north turn ahead could put parts of Hawaii in danger. Here's what you need to know.

Hurricane Lowell will approach the western end of the main Hawaiian Islands late Sunday, bringing possible surf, rain, wind and flooding impacts particularly to the western portion of the state. The extent of impacts will be determined by the eventual track of Lowell,

In this case, the message is that there is higher-than-normal uncertainty on exactly where Hurricane Lowell will track as it passes the islands. In other words, how far offshore of Kauai and the far western island,

Hurricane Lowell, a powerful Category 4 storm, is threatening Hawaii with life-threatening winds and surf, prompting urgent warnings and preparations across the islands.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center provided greater insight on the path of Lowell saying a sharp turn to the north or north-northeast with a gradual increase in forward speed, will bring the system close to the westernmost Hawaiian Islands on Monday and Monday night.

It is still forecast to be at or near major hurricane strength when making its closest approach to the islands.

Lowell officially strengthened into a major hurricane late Tuesday night. The storm just became a hurricane early Tuesday morning, and underwent rapid intensification at nighttime. The National Hurricane Center announced that Lowell was upgraded to a Category 5 storm Wednesday evening.

The Lowell varsity baseball team's coaching staff was also placed on leave.