Residents of Hawaii are preparing for Hurricane Lowell, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and severe winds to the state. The hurricane is projected to pass closely by the western islands, prompting officials to issue a Hurricane Warning on Sunday for Kauaʻi County, as reported by Fox Weather on Monday. The warning also extends to parts of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a chain of smaller islands and atolls northwest of Hawaii’s populated islands. At the time of reporting, the hurricane was located 455 miles southwest of Lihue and moving north-northeast.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the hurricane's category could result in significant damage, stating, "Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes." The hurricane may also bring sustained winds of 111 to 129 miles per hour.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Geoff Cornish indicated that Hawaii is preparing for Lowell to sideswipe the islands late Monday into Tuesday. Cornish noted, "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." The storm is expected to turn toward the north-northwest and slow down by Tuesday night after passing the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency on Thursday in response to the storm. Authorities are advising residents to prepare for heavy rainfall, flooding, and possible mudslides as the storm approaches, according to the Associated Press (AP). The Kauai Emergency Management Agency has urged residents to fill gas tanks, charge devices, refill prescriptions, and stock up on water and food ahead of the storm. In Lihue, a town of 8,000 with Kauai’s primary airport, residents have been stocking up on supplies as supermarket shelves have emptied.