Hurricane Lowell forces closures across Hawaii's western islands
Hawaii's governor shuts schools and offices on Kauai and Niihau as Hurricane Lowell approaches, threatening heavy rain, mudslides, and strong winds.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has ordered the closure of schools, government offices, and courts across Kauai County for Tuesday as Hurricane Lowell barrels toward the state's westernmost islands. The precautionary measure affects Kauai, home to over 73,000 residents, and the sparsely populated island of Niihau, which has fewer than 100 inhabitants.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for the county, which also includes a portion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. As of Monday afternoon, Lowell was classified as a Category 2 hurricane, though forecasters expect it to weaken slightly before its closest approach to the islands late Monday and early Tuesday.
Governor Green emphasized the importance of keeping residents off the roads during the dangerous conditions. "Closing offices, schools and courts will help keep people off the roads during dangerous conditions and allow emergency crews to focus on protecting our communities," he said in a statement, urging residents to stay indoors and follow official instructions.
The storm system is expected to deliver up to 16 inches (about 40 centimeters) of rain in some areas, along with damaging winds, mudslides, and the possibility of tornadoes. Dangerous rip currents are also anticipated along shorelines. Residents have been advised to avoid coastal areas, refrain from driving through floodwaters, and prepare for potential power outages.
Meanwhile, a tropical storm warning is in effect for Oahu, which has a population of nearly 1 million. Forecasters predict isolated rainfall totals of up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) for Oahu and Maui, with up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) expected in parts of the Big Island of Hawaii.
The closures come just a month after the state experienced the effects of Tropical Storm Lala, which, while not making landfall, caused significant damage—particularly on the Big Island—including landslides, the destruction of roughly 100 homes, and widespread power outages.