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Hurricane Lowell batters Kauai with heavy rain and high surf, leaving 90% of the island without power

Hurricane Lowell struck the Hawaiian Islands as a Category 2 storm, causing significant damage to Kauai's infrastructure and coastline. The hurricane delivered heavy rain and powerful winds, with gusts reaching 84 mph at Lihue Airport. The storm surge and high surf, which peaked at 30 feet, were the primary drivers of destruction, particularly along the south shore and west coast. Several homes on Hoona Road near Baby Beach were completely destroyed by the high surf, while many others were left with damaged roofs and fallen trees. Kauai County officials reported that approximately 90% of the island's electricity customers lost power during the storm. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is currently assessing 1,500 miles of transmission and distribution lines to restore service. While some areas like Eleele and Hanapepe received partial restoration, the majority of the island remains in the dark. The storm also impacted other islands, with Oahu's Farrington Highway and Kamehameha Highway experiencing closures due to flooding and debris. On Oahu, an unidentified man was allegedly killed by a storm-related falling tree in Waimānalo park. Recovery efforts are underway across the state, with residents and volunteers working to clear debris and restore access to roads.

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