Kauai and Niihau move under a tropical storm warning as Lowell approaches
A tropical storm watch for Kauai and Niihau was upgraded to a warning as Hurricane Lowell approached. The centre was forecast to pass west of the islands late Monday, but Kauai could receive 15–25 centimetres of rain, with isolated totals up to 36 centimetres. Officials urged residents to finish preparations before conditions worsened because flooding, landslides, storm surge and strong winds remained possible.
Science··Morning
The watch was upgraded to a warning
The National Weather Service upgraded the tropical storm watch for Kauai County and Niihau to a warning on the morning of September 6. A warning means tropical-storm-force winds are expected somewhere in the area within 36 hours. The same bulletin placed Lowell about 935 kilometres south-southwest of Lihue, moving north-northwest at 9 kilometres per hour with sustained winds near 205 kilometres per hour. A hurricane warning also covered part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.[3], [1]
A western track can still bring heavy rain
The forecast takes the storm centre west of the islands from Monday night into early Tuesday. Kauai could receive 15–25 centimetres of rain, with isolated totals reaching 36 centimetres; the Big Island forecast was 10–20 centimetres, locally up to 30. Water levels could rise 30–90 centimetres along Kauai’s coast. Tropical storm conditions could reach Kauai on Monday afternoon, so the risk comes from Lowell’s broad wind and rain field even if its centre does not cross the coast.[1], [2]
Preparations focus on flooding and landslides
The Kauai Emergency Management Agency asked people to stay home and off roads as conditions worsened, secure property and check on neighbours who might need help. The Associated Press reported that residents and visitors were being told to prepare for heavy rain, flooding and possible landslides. Those precautions do not amount to a forecast of certain damage. The warning narrows the preparation window by stating when strong winds may begin and how high localized rainfall totals could become.[1], [2]
