Hurricane Lowell struck Hawaii’s western islands with damaging winds and heavy rains, causing power outages and the threat of flash floods and mudslides. Kauai, with 73,000 residents, was particularly affected, experiencing widespread power outages and significant rainfall, especially in Hanalei, which recorded 17.76 inches. As of Tuesday morning, about 50,400 customers across Hawaii were without power. Emergency officials urged residents to stay off roads as damage assessments began. The storm’s center moved away from the islands, but tropical storm-force winds persisted. Hurricane warnings for Kauai and Niihau were lifted, though flooding and mudslides remained a risk. Wind gusts reached 80 mph, but the storm was weakening. Lowell had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving north. Hawaii’s governor closed schools and government offices on three islands. Rainfall could reach 24 inches in some areas, with significant flooding and mudslides possible, especially on the Big Island.
QUESTION: How might communities better prepare for future hurricanes to minimize damage and ensure safety?
Lowell lashes Hawaii, knocking out power to thousands as flood risk continues
