Hawaii is expected to avoid a direct hit from Hurricane Lowell, but the powerful storm is still forecast to bring heavy rain, dangerous surf and the potential for tropical storm conditions to parts of the island chain as it passes nearby on Labor Day.

Forecasters expect Lowell to remain a major hurricane as it curves northward just west of the main Hawaiian Islands late Monday, Sept. 7. While the latest forecast keeps the center offshore, officials caution that even a small eastward shift in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai.

Hawaii residents should continue monitoring forecasts and any watches or warnings that may be issued as Lowell approaches the islands, the National Hurricane Center said.

1900 Galveston--A damaged street in the aftermath of the Great Galveston Hurricane, in Galveston, Texas, U.S., October 13, 1900. The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history hit Galveston as a Category 4 storm and seas 20 feet above normal. An estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people died, mostly in the Galveston area, and damage was estimated at $30 million. (Library of Congress via REUTERS)
1900 Galveston--A damaged street in the aftermath of the Great Galveston Hurricane, in Galveston, Texas, U.S., October 13, 1900. The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history hit Galveston as a Category 4 storm and seas 20 feet above normal. An estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people died, mostly in the Galveston area, and damage was estimated at $30 million. (Library of Congress via REUTERS)
1935 Labor Day Hurricane--A rescue train is pictured washed off its tracks in the aftermath of the 1935 Florida Keys Labor Day Hurricane, in the Florida Keys, Florida, U.S. in this September 5, 1935 photo. The small storm struck the Florida Keys with 185-mph winds and a 20-foot storm surge. The combination killed 408 people, primarily World War I veterans who were working in construction in the area, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (State Library and Archives of Florida via REUTERS)
1935 Labor Day Hurricane--A rescue train is pictured washed off its tracks in the aftermath of the 1935 Florida Keys Labor Day Hurricane, in the Florida Keys, Florida, U.S. in this September 5, 1935 photo. The small storm struck the Florida Keys with 185-mph winds and a 20-foot storm surge. The combination killed 408 people, primarily World War I veterans who were working in construction in the area, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (State Library and Archives of Florida via REUTERS)

The National Hurricane Center said Lowell remained a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph in its latest advisory. The storm was moving west-northwest at 7 mph and is forecast to turn northwest before accelerating north and north-northeast Sunday and Monday.

The forecast track brings the center across portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument before passing just west of the main Hawaiian Islands Monday night. Although gradual weakening is expected, Lowell is forecast to remain near major hurricane strength during its closest approach to Hawaii.

Category 4 Hurricane Lowell spins in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii, on September 5, 2026.
Category 4 Hurricane Lowell spins in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii, on September 5, 2026.

Heavy rainfall is expected across much of the state, with 3 to 6 inches forecast for Kauai and the Big Island and isolated totals exceeding 10 inches. Maui could receive 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts approaching 8 inches. Elsewhere, rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected.

The rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

Tropical storm conditions are possible in Kauai County by late Monday or Monday night, while hurricane conditions are possible across eastern portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Coastal impacts are also expected. Storm surge could raise water levels 1 to 3 feet above normally dry ground in Kauai County and up to 1 foot on Oahu if the highest water coincides with high tide. Large, destructive waves and life-threatening rip currents are forecast across many Hawaiian shorelines during the next several days.

Emergency officials recommend using the weekend to finish hurricane preparations before conditions begin to deteriorate.

The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service advise residents to know their evacuation zone, avoid driving through flooded roads and monitor official forecasts for updates. NOAA also recommends having an emergency kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and multiple ways to receive weather alerts in case power or cellular service is disrupted.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on X @athompsonUSAT

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Lowell nears Hawaii. Latest forecast, storm impacts