Hurricane Lowell passes west of Hawaii, causing widespread power outages and significant damage to the western islands.
Hurricane Lowell passed west of the islands of Hawaii on Tuesday, bringing high winds and heavy rains that caused significant damage to the western islands, particularly Kauai and Niihau. The storm, a Category 3 hurricane, produced winds of 125 mph and resulted in widespread power outages, with nearly all of the 35,000 members of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reporting a loss of power. Fierce winds and heavy rains knocked over trees, ripped up roads, and drenched homes and stores with mud. On Kauai, the storm surge washed out the Waimea Pier and pushed piles of sand and lava rocks onto land. In Hanapēpē, a home lost its roof, and several vessels in the Port Allen small boat harbor sank or were destroyed. The storm surge also entered Hanapēpē Stadium. The administration announced a state of emergency for the entire state to activate Hawaii National Guard units and deploy six high-water vehicles to Kauai. One man was allegedly killed by a tree hitting his tent on Oahu on Monday evening. As the storm moves north, a flood watch remains in effect for the Big Island through Wednesday afternoon.
Sources
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‘I was shaking’: West Kauai residents ride out Hurricane Lowell, assess damage
Hawaii News Now
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At least 1 dead in Hawaii after Hurricane Lowell devastates parts of the state, governor says
CNN
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Western Hawaii islands survey damage after Hurricane Lowell passes by
theguardian.com
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Tropical Storm Lowell weakening as it moves further away from Hawaii
Hawaii News Now
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Big Island western shores now under high surf advisory; flood watch extended
bigislandnow.com