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Lowell Hits Hawaii Hardest Since Iniki; 1 Dead, Kauai Dark
Hurricane Lowell battered Hawaii on Tuesday after sweeping past the islands, leaving at least one person dead and knocking out power to tens of thousands of residents.
El Niño is fueling increased storm potential in the central Pacific this year, and Lowell tracked less than 50 miles from Niihau as a Category 2 storm, the strongest to impact Hawaii since Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
Wind gusts over 80 mph knocked out power for around 90% of Kauai County homes, and Kaua'i Emergency Management Agency chief Elton Ushio reported 198 active hazard reports including downed trees, power lines, and flooded roadways.
Mayor Derek Kawakami urged residents to document damage and stay off roads on Tuesday evening, while utility officials warned there is "no estimated time of restoration" and outages could be long-lasting.
Gov. Josh Green deployed more than 300 National Guard members across the islands, emphasizing statewide unity: "when one island needs help, we all step up." Officials prioritize restoring power to hospitals and securing federal aid.