Hurricane Lowell weakened to a Category 2 storm on Monday evening but remained a threat to Hawaii's western islands, prompting officials to issue emergency warnings and close public facilities.
The storm was forecast to pass close to Kauai and Niihau between Monday night and Tuesday morning, with the strongest impacts expected locally between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for Kauai County, which includes Kauai and Niihau, anticipating hurricane conditions.
A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Oahu, including Honolulu, with tropical storm conditions possible later Monday into the evening. Officials urged residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rainfall, dangerous winds, and surf.
Kauai County is considered the most vulnerable to the storm, according to Kauai Emergency Management Agency. As a precaution, public schools on Kauai, county offices, and state offices on Kauai were scheduled to close Tuesday, Sept. 8. Governor Josh Green stated that the county's safety would not be jeopardized.
Lowell is expected to bring 6 to 10 inches of rain to Kauai, with a possibility of up to 16 inches, potentially causing significant flash flooding and mudslides. The Big Island could see 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 12 inches.
Wind gusts of up to 74 miles per hour are possible in Kauai County, and up to 40 miles per hour on Oahu. Hawaii officials also warned of potential power outages due to high winds or flash flooding. Extremely dangerous surf is anticipated along the southern and western shores of Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu. A few tornadoes are also possible Monday afternoon through Monday night, particularly for Kauai and Niihau.
In response to the impending storm, campgrounds and parks were closed. Officials advised residents in coastal or low-lying areas to be prepared to evacuate. Residents were also urged to secure outdoor items, ensure vehicles are fueled, charge electronic devices, refill prescriptions, and stock sufficient water, food, and emergency supplies.