Home / Environment / Kauai Under Siege: Hurricane Lowell Unleashes Fury
Kauai Under Siege: Hurricane Lowell Unleashes Fury
9 Sep
Summary
- Hurricane Lowell, a Category 2 storm, is the strongest to hit Hawaii since 1992.
- Ninety percent of Kauai County is without power due to extreme wind gusts.
- A rare tornado watch was issued, the first for Honolulu's weather service since the 1940s.
Hurricane Lowell, a Category 2 storm, made landfall impacting Kauai County, becoming the most powerful hurricane to threaten the main Hawaiian Islands since Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Most of Kauai County experienced a near-total power outage, with wind gusts recorded up to 85 mph in Waimea. Emergency officials urged residents to remain sheltered due to widespread downed power lines and debris.
On Oahu, tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain have caused power outages for over 30,000 customers. Elevated regions on Oahu experienced gusts exceeding 70 mph. Significant coastal damage has been reported due to high surf, with the potential for storm surge adding to flooding concerns.
Adding to the extraordinary weather, a tornado watch was issued for the region, marking the first time the National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued such a warning since its inception in the 1940s. Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency for Hawaii, mobilizing resources and activating the National Guard.
Lowell is expected to weaken as it moves northward away from the islands. A flood watch remains in effect for all of Hawaii through Tuesday afternoon. El Niño conditions are contributing to an active Pacific hurricane season, with this being the third storm to target Hawaii in just over three weeks.
