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Kauai Devastated by Hurricane Lowell's Fury
9 Sep
Summary
- Kauai experienced widespread power outages affecting nearly all residents.
- Heavy rains and winds damaged roads and coated homes with mud.
- Several vessels sank and piers were destroyed at Port Allen harbor.
Hurricane Lowell unleashed damaging winds and heavy rains across Kauai, leading to widespread power outages affecting nearly all of its 35,000 utility members. The storm, which passed west of the Hawaiian Islands, caused massive waves that pushed sand and rocks inland, downing trees and power lines.
Extensive damage was reported across Kauai, with roads becoming impassable due to flooding and debris. At the Port Allen small boat harbor, several vessels sank and piers were destroyed. On Oahu, the most populous island, heavy rain and high surf were experienced, with one fatality reported due to a falling tree.
These storms highlight a pattern of extreme weather events in recent months, including Tropical Storm Lala in August. The current situation is exacerbated by a powerful El Niño forming in the Pacific, predicted to be historically strong and potentially amplify the effects of human-caused climate change on extreme weather.
