Updated at 2 a.m., Sept. 8
Fast-moving Hurricane Lowell reached its closest point to the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday night, and as of 2 a.m. Tuesday morning had moved 110 miles northwest of Līhuʻe.
According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau still can experience damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall, and extremely dangerous and damaging surf to occur through Tuesday morning.
Hurricane Lowell now has sustained maximum winds of 105 mph, and higher gusts. The storm is traveling north at 18 mph, with the core passing west of Niʻihau tonight and early Tuesday, as of the 5 a.m. Tuesday advisory of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Further weakening is expected during the next few days.
The National Weather Service has canceled the tornado watch for Kauaʻi County.
Conditions are deteriorating for Niʻihau, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, with flash flooding, damaging waves and high winds expected, the advisory said.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles. Līhuʻe Airport, which closed at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, recently reported sustained winds of 53 mph with a gust to 75 mph.
While gradual weakening is expected through Tuesday, Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands. But it now is forecast to weaken below hurricane intensity by Tuesday afternoon.
Hurricane conditions also are expected in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument between Nihoa and French Frigate Shoals Monday night, with tropical storm conditions beginning Monday afternoon.
Kauaʻi County residents and visitors should be prepare for high winds, high surf, heavy rain, storm surge and tornadoes.
Hurricane warning
A hurricane warning is in effect for Kauaʻi County, which includes Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
Damaging winds are now occurring on Kauaʻi, Niʻihau and Oʻahu. Wind gust reports from 50 to 80 mph have been reported since midday Monday, with peak winds expected to last for a few more hours early Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, it is important to note that winds can be accelerated over and downwind of terrain, leading to areas of stronger wind gusts. As winds shift to south overnight, areas affected by downslope wind gusts will likely change.
Flood warning
A flood warning is in effect for Kauaʻi due to heavy rains occurring over the island.
Heavy downpours could lead to flash flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain, and rainbands could become persistent and anchored in some areas, exacerbating the flash flood threat.
The risk of flash flooding is greatest for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, where many stations have measured 2 to 10 inches of rain with higher numbers in the upper elevations. The flood threat also exists for all other islands due to deep moisture surrounding Lowell.
Over 20 inches of storm total rain is possible over portions of Kauaʻi, mainly over the interior mountains, and up 12 inches remains possible over southeast Big Island.
At 7:38 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over Kauaʻi, which was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Substantial rises have been observed at the Wainiha River and Waialae Stream gauges.
Rises on other area rivers and streams can also be expected as heavy rain continues. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa, Kalāheo, Kekaha, Princeville, Kīlauea, North Fork, Wailua Trails, Alakaʻi Swamp Trails, Lāwaʻi, Ōmaʻo, Kōkeʻe State Park, and Wailua Homesteads.
Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot.
Ponding, low visibility, and other hazardous driving conditions are expected. If you must drive, please do so with caution.
For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. Please do not call Kauaʻi police at 911 unless you have an emergency.
Storm surge
An extremely large south to southwest swell generated by Lowell will continue to rapidly build through the evening and peak tonight. A high surf warning is in effect for south-facing shores of all islands and for west-facing shores of the Big Island.
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the center, where the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
Potential impacts in Niʻihau and Kauaʻi include:
- Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves.
- Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
- Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots.
- Major beach erosion with heavy surf overtopping nearby roadways.
- Moderate damage to marinas, docks, and piers.
- Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages.
High surf warning
A high surf warning for south and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau has been extended until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
An extremely large south to southwest swell generated by Lowell will continue to rapidly build through the evening and peak tonight. A high surf warning is in effect for south-facing shores of all islands and for west-facing shores of the Big Island.
Dangerously large and damaging surf and coastal inundation are expected along the immediate coast of exposed south and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
The highest surf may reach 20 to 30 feet on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau tonight, then rapidly diminish on Tuesday. Extra large surf, on top of 1 to 4 feet of storm surge, will generate major wave run-up and coastal inundation along exposed low lying areas of south and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
The National Weather Service also has issued a high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kaua’i and Niʻihau.
Entering the water in these areas during the high surf warning is very hazardous and could cause serious injury or death. Beachgoers are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.
For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit https://safebeachday.com/county/kauai/, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
Hunker down
Residents and visitors should avoid unnecessary travel as dangerous conditions continue. Never drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.
For everything you should know about refuges, closures, preparation tips and more, click here.
Visitors should confirm flights, accommodations and activities directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. Visitor information is available online and by calling 1-800-GOHAWAII.
Text KAUAIEMA to 888777 to receive county emergency alerts.
The public should continue closely monitoring Lowell’s progress. Check National Weather Service forecasts and products for any additional advisories, watches or warnings issued and for specific weather information for your community.
Stay safe.
