Canada updates Hawaii travel advisory as Hurricane Lowell affects islands

The Government of Canada updated its United States travel advisory Monday, warning Canadians travelling to Hawaii about Hurricane Lowell. The advisory said the storm could pass through Kauai County, including Kauai, Niihau and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals, between Sept. 7 and 8, 2026, bringing excessive rainfall and violent winds.

The government warned that flash flooding and landslides could disrupt transportation access, power distribution, water and food supplies, telecommunications, emergency services and medical care. Canadians already in the area are urged to use caution, monitor local news and weather reports, follow local authorities’ instructions including evacuation orders, and check with their airlines for flight information.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said Lowell passed west of Niihau and Kauai on Monday as a Category 2 hurricane, causing power outages in Kauai County and on Oahu. Dangerous winds were expected to continue until Tuesday, along with possible heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, extreme surf and tornadoes in Kauai County.

Gov. Josh Green said in a social-media video that schools and state and county offices in affected areas would close until Tuesday out of caution. He said officials were concerned about the winds, debris and possible landslides in areas with additional flooding.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the hurricane was weakening quickly and could be close to becoming a post-tropical cyclone Friday, though it could restrengthen over the weekend. Canadians travelling abroad can register with the free, confidential Registration of Canadians Abroad service for emergency notifications.