【ANN NEWS Hawaii】 Hurricane Lowell is approaching the Hawaiian Islands, prompting Hawaii Gov. Josh Green to declare a statewide state of emergency. Kauai and Niihau are currently under a hurricane warning, while a tropical storm warning has been issued for Oahu. Local authorities are urging residents to complete storm preparations as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary travel.
According to the latest data from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Lowell had weakened to a Category 2 hurricane as of Monday afternoon, with maximum sustained winds of about 110 mph. The storm was moving north-northeast at about 17 mph and was expected to pass near or west of Niihau from Monday night into early Tuesday. Although Lowell is expected to continue weakening, it could still maintain hurricane strength as it passes near Hawaii.
As the storm approaches, weather conditions have already begun to deteriorate in parts of Hawaii. Kauai is expected to receive 6 to 10 inches of rain, with localized totals of up to 16 inches; Oahu and Maui County are forecast to receive 4 to 8 inches, with localized totals of up to 10 inches. Weather officials warned that heavy rainfall could trigger severe flash flooding and mudslides.
In addition to heavy rain and strong winds, Lowell could bring damaging surf, dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding. Tornadoes could also occur on Kauai and Niihau from Monday afternoon into the night.
Because of the hurricane, state and county government offices, public schools, Kauai Community College and court facilities in Kauai County will be closed on Tuesday (Sept. 8), while emergency services will continue to operate. All state parks on Kauai have also been closed.
Gov. Green urged Kauai residents to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and closely monitor the latest emergency notices issued by authorities.
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