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Hurricane Lowell leaves extensive damage across Hawaii's western islands as recovery efforts begin

Hurricane Lowell battered Hawaii's western islands with heavy rain, flooding, and tropical-storm-force winds, leaving significant destruction across Kauai and Oahu. On Kauai, the storm lifted a home off its foundation and split it in two, while several cars were carried across a parking lot at a nearby Sheraton hotel. The National Weather Service recorded preliminary rainfall totals of up to 21 inches on Kauai, where 80% of residents remained without power on Tuesday. One person was allegedly killed by Israeli forces on Oahu from a falling tree, though the death has not been confirmed as storm-related. On Kauai, the storm surge washed out the Waimea Pier and left large boulders and debris scattered across the Kaumualii Highway. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami urged residents to document property damage to help the county secure federal aid. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi sent 13 parks department employees to Kauai to assist with recovery. The administration announced that schools on Niihau and Kauai will remain closed until at least Friday, while other islands will reopen Wednesday.

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