Hurricane Lowell moved past the Hawaiian Islands, leaving a trail of destruction that includes widespread power outages and significant infrastructure damage. As of September 8, more than 33,268 customers on Kauai—roughly 93% of the island’s total—were without electricity. On Oahu, approximately 7% of customers also faced power disruptions. National Hurricane Center Director Mike Brennan described the conditions on Kauai as “very dangerous” and urged residents to prioritize safety as the storm continues to impact the region.
The storm’s center passed approximately 37 miles west of Niihau and 72 miles west of Waimea on Kauai’s southwest coast during the early hours of September 8. While the hurricane is now moving north at 15 mph and is expected to follow a twisting path out to sea, weather-related warnings remain in effect. Forecasters anticipate the system will weaken into a tropical storm later today, though some models suggest it could potentially restrengthen over the weekend.
Heavy rainfall remains a critical concern. Kauai and the Big Island are bracing for additional totals of up to 5 and 8 inches respectively, which Brennan warned could “continue to produce some dangerous flash flooding and mudslides all the way through today and into Wednesday.” Total rainfall on Kauai could reach as high as 24 inches in some areas. Wind speeds were also severe, with Barking Sands recording sustained winds of 51 mph and gusts reaching 84 mph.
The impact on local infrastructure has been extensive. In Kilauea, one person was injured when a tree fell onto a home. Dozens of residences were destroyed in Poipu, including a home that was blown off its foundation. Emergency managers in Kawaihau reported a roof was lifted off a building, while on Oahu, the Honolulu Police Department closed a section of the Farrington Highway due to waves crashing over the road. Similarly, the Hawaii Department of Transportation closed the Honoapiilani Highway on Maui following rock and debris slides.
In response to the emergency, Kauai County officials implemented several closures, including the Lihue Airport, public transit services, parks, and campgrounds. The Department of Water issued a conservation notice, urging residents to limit water usage to essential needs and to store drinking water. Mayor Kawakami advised residents to shelter in place and check on their neighbors until conditions improve.
Although the National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a statewide tornado watch on September 8, no tornadoes were confirmed. Historical data indicates that at least 40 tornadoes have been reported in Hawaii since 1955, with March being the most active month. Meanwhile, in the Pacific, forecasters are monitoring a separate area of low pressure southwest of Mexico that has a 70% chance of development over the next seven days. Conversely, the Atlantic remains quiet, with no tropical cyclone formation expected in the next week.
Safety remains the primary focus for emergency officials. Brennan emphasized that residents should not return to evacuated areas until local authorities provide clearance. He also advised that individuals should use generators at least 20 feet away from homes, avoid damaged buildings, and stay clear of downed power lines. If a gas leak is suspected, residents are instructed to exit immediately and call 911. Drivers are strictly warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, as the risk of being swept away remains high. The report also notes that the storm completed a dramatic right turn in recent days and is now expected to be jostled onto a westward track. The report also notes that how close did Hurricane Lowell get to Hawaii’s main islands. The report also notes that at its closest point overnight on Sept. The report also notes that 8, Hurricane Lowell was centered about 230 miles north-northwest of Lihue, Hawaii, according to the National Hurricane Center. The report also notes that just barely a hurricane, its maximum sustained winds were 75 mph. The report also notes that after that, the forecast is somewhat uncertain, Eric Blake, one of the center’s hurricane specialists wrote in a forecast. The report also notes that then turn northward again, Blake wrote, lowell should gradually turn toward the west and slow down as its influenced by troughs and ridges in the atmosphere around it. The report also notes that it could take a turn similar to the one south of Hawaii that brought it into the island archipelago but not quite as much of a hard right.