Forecasters warn Lowell could be near major hurricane strength as it moves close to the western Hawaiian Islands next week.

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.

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.

Hurricane Lowell's maximum sustained windspeeds are 145 mph, and it will continue to strengthen.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - State and county emergency crews are actively mobilizing personnel and heavy equipment across the islands as Hurricane Lowell threatens a northward turn toward the state. The system underwent rapid intensification Friday morning, restrengthening into a category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour.

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,