Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Sep 7
Hurricane Lowell Threatens Kauai and Niihau With 115-Mph Winds as Hawaii Braces for 16 Inches of Rain
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Sep 7

Hurricane Lowell Threatens Kauai and Niihau With 115-Mph Winds as Hawaii Braces for 16 Inches of Rain

3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Sep 7

Summary

  • Kauai and Niihau remained under a hurricane warning Monday as Category 3 Lowell neared western Hawaii, while Oahu was placed under a tropical storm watch.
  • 115-mph Lowell is forecast to pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands near Niihau on Monday night, then weaken gradually through Tuesday while still remaining a hurricane.
  • Rainfall could reach 6 to 10 inches on Kauai, with isolated totals up to 16 inches, while the Big Island, Oahu and Maui County face 4 to 8 inches and localized higher amounts.
  • A storm surge of up to 4 feet could hit Kauai County and up to 1 foot could reach Oahu, alongside life-threatening surf, rip currents and possible tornadoes near Kauai and Niihau.
  • The warning area also covers parts of the 583,000-square-mile Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, underscoring Lowell's reach beyond the main islands.

Insights

What hidden ecological devastation awaits the fragile marine life of the Papahanaumokuakea Monument as Hurricane Lowell churns through its waters?
With massive mudslides looming, how will Kauai's isolated communities survive if Hurricane Lowell completely severs all emergency rescue routes?
As Category 3 winds batter Hawaii, are local shelters truly equipped to handle a catastrophic, prolonged failure of the power grid?