Hurricane Lowell leaves 30,000 without power on Kauai
Flooding, debris and infrastructure damage were reported after the weakened Category 1 hurricane passed west of the Hawaiian islands.
About 30,000 people on Kauai were without power after torrential rain and strong winds from Hurricane Lowell damaged roads, trees, power poles and lines. Nearly 92 per cent of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative customers were reported to be affected, although the figures are not directly equivalent.
The weakened Category 1 hurricane did not make landfall on Kauai. Its centre passed west of the Hawaiian islands overnight before moving north into open sea, with maximum sustained winds near 65mph and higher gusts in a late-morning advisory.
Flooding affected coastal roads and debris was reported across the island, while roughly 300 residents evacuated. Kauai County government urged people to shelter in place, conserve water and avoid roads as crews assessed damage, cleared debris and worked to restore services.
Officials continued to warn of flooding and mudslides, as well as high surf and dangerous rip currents along exposed coasts. Hurricane warnings for Kauai and Niihau, and a tropical storm warning for Oahu, had been lifted by Tuesday morning local time.
The National Hurricane Center said the storm was expected to weaken gradually. No final damage assessment or restoration timetable was provided.
