Hawaii has been placed under a state of emergency as Hurricane Lowell approaches the western islands, bringing the threat of life-threatening flooding, damaging winds and dangerous surf.
The National Hurricane Center said Lowell was carrying maximum sustained winds of 115mph on Monday and was expected to pass close to Kauai and Niihau overnight before moving north-eastwards away from the main island chain.
A hurricane warning is in force for Kauai and Niihau, while a tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of Oahu. Forecasters have warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and mudslides, particularly on Kauai and the Big Island.
Rainfall totals of between six and 10 inches are possible on Kauai, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 16 inches. The storm could also bring a storm surge of several feet to Kauai County, along with life-threatening surf and rip currents across much of Hawaii.
Hawaii prepares for Hurricane Lowell
Governor Josh Green signed a statewide emergency proclamation on September 3 to speed up the mobilisation of personnel and equipment. Six high-water vehicles have been sent to Kauai and members of the Hawaii National Guard have been activated in preparation for the storm.
State and county authorities have been lowering reservoir levels, clearing waterways and monitoring dams and other critical infrastructure. Harbours, public facilities, construction sites and agricultural equipment have also been secured, while some parks and trails on Kauai were prepared for possible closure.
The proclamation does not impose evacuations, a curfew or closures of schools and businesses. Any such measures would be announced separately by state or county officials.
Mr Green urged residents to complete their preparations, follow official alerts and avoid floodwater and dangerous coastal areas. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami also advised households to identify where they would go if they needed to leave and to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsened.
CBS News correspondent Carter Evans was reporting from Kauai as residents prepared for the storm, while meteorologist Rob Marciano provided the latest forecast on Hurricane Lowell’s expected track and possible effects across the islands.
