Hurricane Lowell brought powerful winds and storm surge to Hawaii’s western islands this week. The storm caused major damage across Kauai and Lanai and has been linked to at least two deaths.
Kauai faced power outages, damaged roads and destruction at oceanfront resorts. On Lanai, storm damage forced the island’s main cargo port to close. Officials expect repairs to take about two weeks.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Hurricane Lowell caused major damage across parts of Hawaii. |
| Where | Kauai, Lanai and Oahu, Hawaii |
| When | The storm passed near Hawaii overnight Tuesday. |
| Deaths | At least two deaths have been linked to the storm. |
| Main damage | Power outages, damaged roads, resort damage and port disruption. |
| Lanai harbor | Repairs could take about two weeks. |
| Current status | Lowell has weakened to a tropical storm and moved over open water. |
| Why it matters | The storm disrupted power, transportation and essential supplies. |
Hurricane Lowell Batters Hawaii Islands
Hurricane Lowell moved past Hawaii overnight Tuesday. Its center stayed offshore, but strong winds reached several islands.
Kauai suffered some of the worst damage. Strong winds damaged oceanfront resorts and knocked out electricity for thousands of residents.
The death occurred on Oahu. Governor Josh Green said a large tree fell onto a tent in a park during the storm. The man living in the tent died.
Lanai Faces Supply Problems
Lanai also suffered serious disruption. The island’s cargo port became unusable after the storm.
The port plays an important role in bringing food and fuel to Lanai’s roughly 3,300 residents. State Transportation Department officials said repairs could take about two weeks.
Officials are now considering other ways to deliver essential supplies while workers repair the harbor.
Hawaii Requests Federal Disaster Aid
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has asked President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration.
The request covers Kauai and Maui counties. Green said federal assistance could help speed up recovery efforts.
The storm damaged roads, utility infrastructure, harbors, public facilities, businesses and homes. Officials are still assessing the full cost of the destruction.
Green said the overall damage could eventually compare with Hurricane Iniki, which struck Kauai as a Category 4 hurricane in 1992.
Power Outages Continue Across Kauai
Lowell left many Kauai residents without electricity. Utility crews began restoring service soon after the storm passed.
Power returned to three hospitals by Wednesday, according to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. However, nearly 16,000 customers still lacked electricity on Thursday.
Storm images showed broken windows, fallen power lines and rocks scattered across roads.
Hurricane Lowell Causes Deadly Hawaii Damage
• At least two deaths have been linked to Hurricane Lowell.
• A 74 year old man was found near the shoreline on Kauai.
• Officials believe storm surge contributed to the Kauai death.
• A man died on Oahu after a large tree fell onto his tent.
• Kauai experienced widespread power outages.
• Three hospitals had their electricity restored by Wednesday.
• Nearly 16,000 Kauai customers remained without power on Thursday.
• Lanai’s main cargo port became unusable.
• Officials expect harbor repairs to take about two weeks.
• Hawaii requested federal disaster assistance for Kauai and Maui counties.
Hurricane Lowell Passes Hawaii, Norbert Forms
Hurricane Lowell passed near Hawaii while its center remained offshore. Despite missing the islands directly, the storm produced strong winds and storm surge.
The Pacific has experienced several hurricanes since the beginning of August. A new tropical storm, Norbert, also formed on Thursday.
Norbert was far from Hawaii and was not threatening land at the time of the report. Forecasters recorded maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and expected some gradual strengthening.
The damage goes beyond homes and businesses. Disrupted power services can affect hospitals and other essential facilities.
Lanai faces an additional challenge because its main cargo port supplies much of the island’s food and fuel. A lengthy closure could make transportation more difficult.
Recovery crews will continue repairing roads, power systems and public facilities across affected areas.
Officials will also work on temporary supply options for Lanai while the harbor remains closed.
Hawaii Begins Long Recovery After Lowell
Hawaii authorities are expected to continue assessing the damage. The final cost will become clearer as inspections and repairs continue.
Hurricane Lowell has left parts of Hawaii dealing with deaths, power outages, damaged roads and major infrastructure problems.
Although Lowell has weakened to a tropical storm and moved over open water, its impact on Hawaii will continue during the recovery period.
