Residents of Kauai County are hunkering down under a Hurricane Warning as Hurricane Lowell approaches the western Hawaiian islands, bringing the threat of destructive winds, flash flooding and mudslides.
Officials issued the warning Sunday for Kauai County, according to Fox Weather, which reported Monday that the storm also threatens parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a remote chain of islands and atolls northwest of Hawaii’s main population centers. As of Monday, Lowell was positioned roughly 455 miles southwest of Lihue and tracking north-northeast.
The storm carries the potential for sustained winds between 111 and 129 miles per hour. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that a storm of this strength can produce “devastating damage,” including major structural damage or roof loss on well-built homes, widespread snapped or uprooted trees blocking roads, and power and water outages lasting from several days to several weeks.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Geoff Cornish said the islands should brace for Lowell to pass close by late Monday into Tuesday, though the storm may weaken somewhat before its closest approach.
“Lowell may face some increasing wind shear and cooling waters on its northward journey that could knock down its intensity a bit, but it is still expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it makes its closest pass to western Hawaii,” Cornish said, according to the Weather Channel. “It will then turn toward the north-northwest and slow down by Tuesday night after passing the Hawaiian Islands.”
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency Thursday ahead of the storm’s arrival.
The Associated Press reported Monday that authorities are urging residents across the islands to prepare for heavy rain, flooding and possible mudslides as Lowell moves through. The Kauai Emergency Management Agency has told residents to fill their gas tanks, charge electronic devices, refill prescriptions, and stock enough food and water to last several days at home.
In Lihue, a town of about 8,000 people that is home to Kauai’s main airport, supermarket shelves were emptying as residents rushed to stock up on supplies ahead of the storm.
