Powerful Hurricane Lowell was passing just to the west of Hawaii overnight and into early Sept. 8, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous surf to parts of the westernmost parts of the states
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Kauai County, including the islands of Kauai and Niihau, where hurricane conditions began on the afternoon of Sept. 7, according to the National Hurricane Center. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Oahu, the most populated Hawaiian Island.
The storm is not forecast to make a direct landfall, but will pass near or just to the west of Niihau in the overnight hours, the hurricane center said in an advisory at 11 p.m. Hawaii time on Sept. 7, or 5 a.m. ET. The storm was "too close for comfort,"
said Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami.
Forecasters warned the impacts could be significant regardless of how close it gets. Heavy rainfall, powerful winds, storm surge and dangerous surf are expected across parts of the state, with the greatest threats focused on Kauai County.
"I hope you have spent these last few days preparing for the worst," Kawakami said in a message to residents.
Residents in flood-prone and coastal areas have been urged to move to safer locations or refuge areas if necessary, while emergency officials warned that power outages, road closures and disruptions to water service may occur as Lowell moves past the state.
Where is Hurricane Lowell?
As of 11 p.m. Hawaii time on Sept. 7, or 5 a.m. ET Sept. 8, Hurricane Lowell was located about 90 miles west of Lihue, Hawaii, and 190 miles west-northwest of Honolulu. It was moving north-northeast at 18 mph and had maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane.
Lowell is expected to maintain its speed as it heads north-northeast and north on Sept. 8. Its core will pass near or just to the west of Niihau overnight and into Sept. 8. After passing the Hawaiian Islands, Lowell should make a turn toward the northwest and west and slow down over the next couple days as it weakens.
Heavy rain, flooding expected across parts of Hawaiian Islands
Forecasters warned that Lowell could bring dangerous rainfall totals capable of producing significant flash flooding and landslides, especially on Kauai.
Additional rainfall of 4 to 8 inches is forecast for Kauai, with maximum storm totals of 24 inches, according to the National Hurricane Center. The Big Island could see 3 to 8 additional inches, with totals of 12 inches possible. Oahu and Maui County are expecting an additional 2 to 5 inches with isolated storm totals of 10 inches possible.
While the island of Kauai – which has a population of about 73,000 – is expected to feel Lowell's high winds, so could the tiny, lightly populated island of Niihau, about 17 miles southwest of Kauai. Forecasters said several tornadoes were possible near Kauai and Niihau overnight.
Barking Sands on western Kauai clocked sustained winds of 51 mph, with a gust up to 84 mph, while Lihue Airport along the southeastern coast of Kauai saw sustained winds of 53 mph and a gust of 79 mph.
Emergency officials have repeatedly advised motorists not to drive through flooded roads. On Sept. 7, flooding forced the closure of Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge on Kauai.
Kauai County warns of utility disruptions
Kauai County officials said residents should prepare for interruptions to essential services. Officials also asked residents not to call 911 for weather updates or road conditions, saying emergency lines should remain available for life-threatening situations.
The county Department of Water issued a conservation notice, advising customers to limit water use to essential needs. Officials warned that power outages caused by the storm could affect pumps and wells, potentially reducing water pressure or causing service interruptions.
Residents were urged to store drinking water and fill containers for sanitation and other household needs before conditions worsen.
"Now is the time to shelter in place," Kawakami said Sept. 7. "Check in with your friends and neighbors, then hunker down until conditions let up on Tuesday."
Schools, parks and airport closed
As the storm closed in on the Hawaiian Islands, officials ordered a series of closures across Kauai. Public transit service on Kauai was suspended on Sept. 7, with buses instead supporting transportation to emergency refuge areas.
Lihue Airport closed on the afternoon of Sept. 7 ahead of the storm, according to Kauai County officials. All county and state offices on Kauai, along with Department of Education schools, are closed on Sept. 8.
County parks, campgrounds and the Wailua Golf Course have been closed until further notice, Kauai County officials said. State parks and forest reserves managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources were also closed.
Ocean safety officials are urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water as large swells generated by Lowell create hazardous surf and rip current conditions around the islands.
"The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort," Kauai County officials said. "In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas."
Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Michael Loria and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Lowell passes just west of Hawaii, threatening winds and rain
