Hurricane Lowell Threatens Hawaii
21 hours ago
Hawaii is bracing for Hurricane Lowell as the storm passes near the westernmost islands, bringing the threat of damaging winds, torrential rain, flash flooding, mudslides and possible tornadoes.
Gov. Josh Green ordered schools and government offices closed Tuesday on Oahu, Kauai and Niihau as officials urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Kauai County is under a hurricane warning, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Oahu.
The National Hurricane Center said Lowell was expected to pass near or just west of Niihau late Monday into early Tuesday.
Although the storm was forecast to weaken, it was expected to remain a hurricane during its closest approach to the islands.
Forecasters warned that portions of Kauai could receive as much as 24 inches of rain. Isolated totals of up to 10 inches are possible on Oahu and Maui, while parts of the Big Island could receive up to 12 inches.
Officials are also warning residents about dangerous surf, rip currents, possible power outages and the threat of tornadoes.
Green urged residents to remain away from shorelines, avoid driving through floodwaters and continue monitoring official emergency updates.
Gov. Josh Green ordered schools and government offices closed Tuesday on Oahu, Kauai and Niihau as officials urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Kauai County is under a hurricane warning, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Oahu.
The National Hurricane Center said Lowell was expected to pass near or just west of Niihau late Monday into early Tuesday.
Although the storm was forecast to weaken, it was expected to remain a hurricane during its closest approach to the islands.
Forecasters warned that portions of Kauai could receive as much as 24 inches of rain. Isolated totals of up to 10 inches are possible on Oahu and Maui, while parts of the Big Island could receive up to 12 inches.
Officials are also warning residents about dangerous surf, rip currents, possible power outages and the threat of tornadoes.
Green urged residents to remain away from shorelines, avoid driving through floodwaters and continue monitoring official emergency updates.