Hurricane Lowell Brings Destructive Conditions to Western Hawaii

Category 2 Hurricane Lowell moved along the western coast of Hawaii late Monday local time, unleashing damaging winds, heavy precipitation, and severe surf, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm’s passage left tens of thousands of residences and commercial properties without electricity across the islands.

With maximum sustained winds clocking in at 110 mph, Lowell remained just below the 111 mph threshold required to be classified as a major Category 3 hurricane. Meteorologists warned that the system had the capacity to dump up to two feet of rain across parts of the archipelago, alongside life-threatening rip currents and surf conditions. There was also the possibility of isolated tornadoes developing within the storm’s bands.

A hurricane warning has been issued for Kauai County, which encompasses the islands of Kauai and Niihau, while a tropical storm warning covers the island of Oahu. The warnings also extend across a significant portion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a vast protected area spanning approximately 583,000 square miles of ocean that includes ten of Hawaii’s islands.

The National Hurricane Center provided detailed rainfall projections for the affected regions. Kauai can expect an additional 4 to 8 inches of rain, with total storm accumulations potentially reaching 24 inches. The Big Island is forecast to receive an extra 3 to 8 inches, with isolated totals of 12 inches. Meanwhile, Oahu and Maui County may see an additional 2 to 5 inches, with some areas possibly hitting 10 inches.

Officials cautioned that the heavy rainfall could trigger significant flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Kauai County and sections of the Big Island.