Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 6
Hawaii Issues Tropical Storm Warnings for 2 Islands as Hurricane Lowell Nears Within 115 Miles
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 6

Hawaii Issues Tropical Storm Warnings for 2 Islands as Hurricane Lowell Nears Within 115 Miles

2 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 6

Summary

  • Tropical storm warnings were issued for Kauai and Niihau after forecasters shifted Lowell’s track east, putting its center about 115 miles west of Kauai on Sept. 7.
  • Lowell weakened to a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds but is still expected to remain near major-hurricane strength as it passes west of the main Hawaiian Islands.
  • Flood watches run through Sept. 8 for Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, the Big Island and Kahoolawe, with 4 to 10 inches of rain forecast for Kauai and the Big Island and isolated totals above 14 inches.
  • Kauai County could also see 1 to 3 feet of storm surge, while large surf, dangerous rip currents, flash flooding and mudslides threaten shorelines, low-lying roads and mountain areas statewide.
  • Officials urged residents and visitors to finish preparations before Labor Day conditions worsen, monitor updated forecasts and avoid flooded roads and hazardous beaches.

Insights

Could the massive 30-foot surf generated by Hurricane Lowell permanently alter Kauai's fragile coastal ecosystems?
How will Hawaii's infrastructure hold up against a rare triple-threat of Pacific hurricanes fueled by El Nino?
What hidden dangers do seemingly calm beaches hold as distant hurricanes churn the Pacific waters?