Preparing for Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii Braces for Heavy Rains, Flooding, and Mudslides
Hawaii officials are warning residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rains, flooding, and potential mudslides as Hurricane Lowell, a powerful Category 3 storm, approaches the islands. The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for Kauai and Niihau, with forecasts predicting significant rainfall amounts ranging from 6-10 inches on the islands, and up to 14 inches in some areas. The Big Island is also expected to experience heavy rainfall, with totals of 4-8 inches and localized amounts of up to 12 inches.
Hurricane Lowell, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, is currently located south-southwest of Lihue and is moving northward. The storm is expected to pass west of the islands late Monday, bringing the potential for flash flooding and mudslides. Residents are advised to take precautions, including filling gas tanks, charging devices, stocking up on supplies, and being prepared to stay home for several days.
In anticipation of the storm, residents in Lihue are stocking up on essentials, with supermarket shelves quickly emptying. Real estate agent Lori Benkert has taken measures to secure properties on Kauai, including boarding up houses and ensuring access to cooking supplies in case of power outages. The community is bracing for potential power outages, fallen trees, and other storm-related impacts.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Marie is generating dangerous surf conditions along the coast of Mexico's Baja California and Southern California. The Category 1 storm, located south-southwest of San Diego, is moving northwest and is expected to continue affecting the region with life-threatening surf and rip currents. While no coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect, swells from Hurricane Marie are likely to impact southwest Mexico, the Baja California peninsula, and Southern California in the coming days.