Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced the closure of schools and government offices on the islands of Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu for Tuesday, as Hurricane Lowell was projected to pass nearby. The hurricane is expected to bring a variety of dangerous weather conditions, including damaging winds, mudslides, potential tornadoes, perilous rip currents, and rainfall amounts reaching up to 24 inches (approximately 60 centimeters) in some areas of Kauai.
The closures affect community colleges alongside state and county offices in Oahu and Kauai County, which is currently under a hurricane warning issued by the National Hurricane Center. Kauai County is home to the primary island of Kauai, with over 73,000 residents, and Niihau, an island with a population of fewer than 100 individuals.
The hurricane warning from the weather agency extends to a portion of the expansive Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Additionally, they warned late Monday about the likelihood of multiple tornadoes forming near Kauai and Niihau during the evening and overnight hours, with the possibility of tornadoes also spreading to other Hawaiian Islands.
A tropical storm warning is currently active for Oahu, which has nearly 1 million residents. According to the National Hurricane Center, the core of Hurricane Lowell was anticipated to pass near or just west of Niihau late Monday and early Tuesday. Although the storm's winds, which had elevated Lowell to a Category 2 hurricane as of Monday afternoon, were expected to weaken, it was still projected to remain classified as a hurricane during its closest approach to the islands.
In light of the impending dangers, Governor Green stated in a news release, "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 urged residents of Kauai County to remain indoors, refrain from unnecessary travel, and follow all official emergency instructions.
Moreover, the Governor recommended that individuals stay away from shorelines, avoid driving through floodwaters, prepare for potential power outages, and keep an eye on updates regarding the storm’s progression.
On Oahu and Maui, isolated rainfall totals of up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) are projected, while portions of the Big Island of Hawaii—located the furthest east among the state’s major islands—are expected to receive around 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain.
Just last month, Hawaii experienced close encounters with Tropical Storm Lala. Although it did not make landfall, the storm significantly impacted Hawaii, particularly the Big Island, leading to landslides, the displacement of approximately 100 homes, and widespread power outages.
