Hurricane Lowell Leaves 30,000 Without Power Across Kauai

Catastrophic winds and torrential rains from Hurricane Lowell have battered Hawaii’s western island of Kauai, knocking out power to at least 30,000 residents and damaging sections of beachside roadways. Although the storm weakened to a Category 1 hurricane before its center passed approximately 128 kilometers (80 miles) west of the island, it still generated wind gusts of around 85 mph (137 km/h). The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, reported that the intensity of the system will continue to generate dangerous surf along the Southern California coast for several days.

By early Tuesday, the storm had ripped down trees and utility infrastructure, leaving nearly 92 percent of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) members without electricity. The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency noted that despite the hurricane not making direct landfall, the combination of high winds and heavy rainfall caused extensive destruction across the island.

Flooding from the deluge forced approximately 300 residents to evacuate coastal areas. Emergency officials have urged the public to conserve water and avoid traveling on roads to facilitate damage assessment and restoration efforts. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami confirmed that reports of “extensive damage” were emerging on Tuesday.

“Everyone’s participation has gone from preparation to sheltering to staying off roads …. to now gathering data and information,” Mayor Kawakami stated. The Kauai County government advised locals to shelter in place to allow cleanup crews to work safely and restore services.

Eric Blake of the National Hurricane Center warned that flooding and mudslides remained a risk through the day. As of late Tuesday morning local time, Lowell had diminished further, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph and a movement speed of 14 mph toward the north. The center forecasts gradual weakening over the coming days.

Hurricane warnings for Kauai and the nearby island of Niihau, which has a permanent population of fewer than 100, were lifted by Tuesday morning. A tropical storm warning for Oahu, the state’s most populous island, was also discontinued. However, high surf and deadly rip currents are expected to persist along Hawaii’s exposed coasts for the next day or two.