Hurricane Lowell Causes Damage in Hawaii's Western Islands

HONOLULU (AP) — Damaging winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Lowell affected Hawaii’s western islands on Tuesday, resulting in power outages for thousands and damage to beachside roads. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative reported that nearly all of its approximately 35,000 members were without power early Tuesday. Emergency officials advised residents to conserve water and avoid travel as damage assessments were conducted. Waves on Kauai’s southern coast damaged a road and deposited sand and lava rocks into a beachside park, according to Rochelle Ballard, a former professional surfer. The storm's center passed west of the islands overnight Tuesday, with tropical storm-force winds extending beyond the center. Sustained winds were recorded at just above 50 mph (80 kph) at Lihue Airport, which was closed following the storm. Hurricane warnings for Kauai and Niihau were lifted by Tuesday morning, and a tropical storm warning was also removed for Oahu. However, flooding and mudslides remained a risk, as noted by Eric Blake of the National Hurricane Center. Wind gusts reached 80 mph (130 kph), but the storm weakened and was no longer classified as a hurricane by early Tuesday. Extensive damage was reported across Kauai, with crews using heavy equipment to clear roads. About 300 individuals were staying in shelters on Kauai. Lori Benkert, a real estate agent in Lihue, reported downed trees and power outages in her area. On Oahu, road crews were clearing debris from a major route after floodwaters affected a coastal highway. Hawaii Governor Josh Green closed schools and government offices on the three islands for Tuesday in anticipation of the storm. Rainfall totals could reach up to 24 inches (60 centimeters) in some areas on Kauai, with Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island also expecting significant rainfall. Last month, Tropical Storm Lala had already caused landslides and power outages in Hawaii. Meanwhile, remnants of Hurricane Marie were downgraded and no longer considered a tropical storm, but continued to create dangerous surf conditions along the coasts of Mexico’s Baja California and Southern California. In Malibu, a beachfront home's driveway collapsed into a sinkhole due to the high surf.