Hurricane Lowell Leaves Kauai in Near-Total Blackout

Hurricane Lowell Leaves Kauai in Near-Total Blackout
On Monday, Hurricane Lowell accelerated toward Kauai, passing close enough to bring hurricane conditions despite its center remaining west of the islands. By 5 p.m. Hawaii time, it was about 170 miles southwest of Lihue, with sustained winds of 110 mph. The National Weather Service issued Hawaii’s first-ever tornado watch, warning that heavy rain, flooding, mudslides and destructive surf could hit Kauai and Niihau.

Officials moved to limit exposure before the worst conditions arrived. Gov. Josh Green ordered Kauai schools and government offices closed Tuesday, while travelers formed long lines at Lihue Airport on Sunday night. Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said the storm had veered “too close for comfort” and urged residents to finish preparations and be indoors by midday.

By Tuesday morning, Lowell was pulling away, but its broad wind field had already battered Kauai and Niihau. About 32,478 Kauai electricity customers — roughly 88% of the island’s total — were without power. Preliminary reports included a home blown off its foundation, a roof torn from another house, flooding around a resort and at least one injury.

The disruption extended beyond blackouts. Lihue airport shut on Monday, while debris, downed trees and flooding closed roads and bridges, including stretches of Kuhio Highway and Route 50. Oahu also saw coastal flooding, and schools and University of Hawaii campuses across Oahu, Kauai and Niihau closed Tuesday.

Emergency officials’ message then changed from preparation to patience. “As the light comes up and the extent of the damage … comes into focus,” Kauai Emergency Management Agency administrator Elton Ushio said, residents and visitors should avoid driving while crews clear roads and restore critical infrastructure.

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