Hawaii prepares for Category 3 Hurricane Lowell as warnings issued for Kauai, Niihau and Oahu

Hawaii’s western islands are bracing for Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm expected to pass west of Kauai and Niihau late Monday and early Tuesday. The National Weather Service issued hurricane warnings for both islands and a tropical storm warning for Oahu, noting maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.

"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the agency said.

Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami urged residents to stay off roads by midday Monday and to begin sheltering in place, praising local emergency teams for their readiness. Emergency Management Administrator Elton Ushio warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions, including wind, flooding, storm surge and possible highway closures.

Storm surges of 2-4 feet, up to 16 inches of rain and a heightened risk of flash floods, mudslides and tornadoes are forecast. The storm is expected to weaken after moving past the islands.

State and county offices, schools and courts on Kauai were ordered closed through Tuesday by Governor Josh Green, who said the closures would keep people off roads and allow emergency crews to focus on protection efforts.

"Closing offices, schools and courts will help keep people off the roads during dangerous conditions and allow emergency crews to focus on protecting our communities," Green said.

Airlines announced suspensions of flights at Lihue Airport and offered flexible rebooking options. Local officials advised residents to fill gas tanks, charge devices, stock water, food and prescriptions, and be prepared to remain at home for several days. The Kauai Emergency Management Agency also recommended filling bathtubs and buckets for non-drinking water use.

The region is still recovering from recent storms, including Tropical Storm Lala and Tropical Storm Moke, which caused extensive rain, power outages and one storm-related fatality.