Hurricane Lowell causes power outages and flooding risk on Hawaii's western islands
Hurricane Lowell brought strong winds and heavy rain to Kauai and Oahu, leaving thousands without electricity and prompting evacuations and road closures.
Damaging winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Lowell struck Hawaii's western islands on Tuesday, knocking out power for most of the 35,000 customers of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and prompting officials to urge water conservation and limit travel while damage assessments continued.
The storm’s center passed west of the islands overnight, but tropical-storm-force winds extended far beyond the eye, with sustained speeds just above 50 mph at Lihue Airport and gusts up to 80 mph. The National Hurricane Center said flooding and mudslides remained a threat throughout the day.
Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami reported extensive road blockage from downed trees and debris, with crews using heavy equipment to clear the routes. About 300 residents were sheltered on the island. On Oahu, crews worked to remove sand and rocks from a coastal highway after floodwaters overtopped the road.
Governor Josh Green ordered schools and government offices on Kauai, Oahu and Niihau to close for Tuesday. Rainfall totals could reach 24 inches in parts of Kauai, with significant rain also expected on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
"We’re fine. My house did great with no boarded-up windows," said local real-estate agent Lori Benkert, who experienced a loud, windy night and power loss after trees fell near her home.
The remnants of Hurricane Marie continued to generate hazardous surf and rip currents along Southern California’s coast, though the system was no longer classified as a tropical storm.