Hurricane Lowell Eye Implodes Around NOAA Plane as Catastrophic Surf Targets Hawaii (Video)

Living Hurricane Lowell Eye Implodes Around NOAA Plane as Catastrophic Surf Targets Hawaii (Video) YouTube/NOAA As Category 3 Hurricane Lowell churns dangerously northward toward the Hawaiian archipelago, NOAA Hurricane Hunters flew directly into the heart of the tempest, capturing striking high-resolution imagery inside the storm's powerful eye. Yet behind those breathtaking atmospheric visuals lies a severe, impending threat to the Hawaiian Islands, where coastal conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as the system makes its closest approach. Watch the footage from inside the eye of the storm below. Meteorologists warn that while Lowell's eye is projected to pass roughly 130 miles west of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, the hurricane's vast circulation will unleash life-threatening surf, damaging ocean surges up to three feet, and isolated rainfall totals reaching 14 inches. The National Weather Service alerted communities that heavy downpours will trigger significant flash flooding and steep terrain mudslides, while reports from The New York Times highlighted the alarming possibility of localized tornadoes spawning near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau as outer rainbands sweep across the islands. Related: Hurricane Lala Batters Hawaii With Wind, Rain … and Snow?! In response to the dangerous multi-hazard threat, Hawaii has officially declared a state of emergency to mobilize state resources, unlock disaster funding, and pre-position National Guard units. Emphasizing proactive measures amid an unusually hectic central Pacific hurricane season, Governor Josh Green stated: 'Our state is still recovering from Lala, and we are not waiting for another storm to get close before preparing.' The Hawaii Department of Defense added: 'Niʻihau, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu may experience extremely dangerous surf on southern and western exposed shores, with high surf statewide on Monday and Tuesday.' Local emergency management officials have urged residents across Kauaʻi County to stock up on at least two weeks of food and water, secure loose property, and prepare for widespread electrical outages. High-water rescue vehicles have been deployed to flood-prone valleys, and state park campers were ordered to evacuate ahead of the storm's arrival. Driven by a supersized El Niño pattern in the Central Pacific, Lowell marks the third major tropical system to threaten the state in just three weeks. With life-threatening swells pounding western-facing shores and hurricane-force gusts looming, officials urge the public to complete emergency preparations immediately. Related: Watch: Apocalyptic Waves Hammer Hawaii Beachfront Condos (Video) Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved This story was originally published September 7, 2026 at 2:45 PM.