Hurricane Lowell threatens western Hawaii with 24 inches of rain, tornadoes

Hurricane Lowell was bearing down on Hawaii’s westernmost islands Monday (Sept. 7), prompting officials to close schools and government offices as forecasters warned of damaging winds, flooding, mudslides and possible tornadoes.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green ordered schools, community colleges and state and county offices on Kauai, Niihau and Oahu closed Tuesday (Sept. 8) as the storm was expected to pass near the islands.

Kauai County was placed under a hurricane warning by the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), while a tropical storm warning was in effect for Oahu, home to nearly one million people.

Forecasters warned Lowell could dump as much as 24 inches (about 60 centimetres) of rain on parts of Kauai, creating the potential for dangerous flooding and mudslides. Damaging winds and hazardous rip currents were also expected.

Late Monday, the NHC warned of the possibility of “several tornadoes” near Kauai and Niihau during the evening and overnight. Tornadoes were also possible elsewhere across the Hawaiian Islands.

The core of Lowell was forecast to pass near or just west of Niihau late Monday and early Tuesday. Although the storm was expected to weaken, forecasters said it would likely remain a hurricane as it made its closest approach.

Lowell had strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane as of Monday afternoon.

“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 in a news release. “I urge everyone in Kaua’i County to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and follow all official emergency instructions.”

Green also urged residents to stay away from shorelines, avoid driving through floodwaters, prepare for possible power outages and continue monitoring official updates.

Kauai County encompasses Kauai, which has a population of more than 73,000, and Niihau, home to fewer than 100 residents. Part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument was also included in the hurricane warning.

Heavy rainfall was expected beyond Kauai. Isolated totals of up to 10 inches (25 centimetres) were forecast for Oahu and Maui, while portions of the Big Island of Hawaii could receive as much as 12 inches (30 centimetres).

Lowell comes just a month after Tropical Storm Lala battered parts of Hawaii despite not making landfall.

The Big Island was particularly hard hit, with landslides, widespread power outages and about 100 homes washed away.

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