Hurricane Lowell, operating as a high-end Category 2 storm on Monday, began battering western Hawaii with powerful winds and heavy rain, triggering active hurricane warnings for Kauai and Niihau as well as a tropical storm warning for Oahu (CBS News). The Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported that the storm’s track is expected to move just west of the main Hawaiian Islands near Niihau on Monday night before slowing down (CBS News).
Hurricane Lowell Batters Western Hawaii Under Hurricane Warning
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency in preparation for the severe weather (New York Post). Ahead of the closest approach, officials and emergency management agencies urged residents and visitors to prepare for dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, potential power outages, and flash flooding (Associated Press, Yahoo News).
Wind Hazards, Tornado Risks, and Regional Forecasts
Lowell maintained maximum sustained winds of 115 mph on Monday, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds stretching up to 175 miles (CBS News, Hawaii News Now). Wind gusts in Kauai County could reach up to 74 mph, while Oahu could experience wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph (New York Post, Yahoo News).
In addition to the sustained winds, a tornado watch remained in effect for Kauai, Niihau, and surrounding waters, carrying the threat of short-lived, fast-moving tornadoes or waterspouts embedded within rainbands. Forecasters noted that wind speeds atop and on the windward and leeward sides of hills and mountains can run up to 30 percent stronger than near-surface winds, with even greater speeds in elevated locations.
Expected Rainfall, Flooding, and Marine Impacts
Heavy precipitation poses a severe flooding threat across multiple islands. Forecasters estimate rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches for Kauai, with maximum totals reaching up to 16 inches. The Big Island is projected to receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 12 inches, while Oahu and Maui County face totals ranging from 2 to 5 inches with localized amounts up to 10 inches (CBS News).
The National Hurricane Center warned that this downpour could trigger significant flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island (CBS News). Coastal areas also face inundation from a storm surge of up to 4 feet in Kauai County and up to 1 foot on Oahu, compounded by life-threatening surf and rip current conditions (CBS News). Surf heights along Kauai and Niihau were forecast to build rapidly to between 20 and 30 feet by Monday afternoon and evening.
Community Preparations and Official Directives
Local emergency management groups stepped up advisories as outer rainbands began lashing Kauai and Oahu (New York Post). The Kauai Emergency Management Agency advised residents to fill gas tanks, charge electronic devices, refill prescriptions, secure loose outdoor items, and lay in adequate water, food, and emergency supplies to stay home for several days (Associated Press, Yahoo News).
In Poipu, a resort town on Kauai’s southern coast, officials instructed residents to stay off the roads, ordered tourists to shelter in place, and closed local campgrounds and parks (Yahoo News). Officials also asked anyone residing along the coast or in low-lying areas to be ready to evacuate (Yahoo News).
