Hurricane Lowell leaves trail of destruction across Kauai, tell me about this news in (https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/hurricanes/hurricane-lowell-flooding-destruction-hawaii-kauai-rcna596804)
10-09-2026
The recent news reports detail extensive damage caused as Hurricane Lowell swept past Hawaii, delivering its most severe blows to the island of Kauai and neighboring Niihau. Passing less than 50 miles west as a Category 2 hurricane before weakening to a Category 1 and pushing northward, Lowell was the most potent storm system to threaten the main Hawaiian islands since Hurricane Iniki in 1992.Key developments from the reports include:
- Widespread Power Outages: Wind gusts exceeding 80 to 90 mph knocked down trees and utility poles across Kauai, leaving roughly 90 percent of the islandnearly all 35,000 customers of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperativewithout power. Utility officials warned that restoring service in harder-hit areas could take several days.
- Torrential Rains and Flooding: Rainfall totals reached extreme levels across Kauai, with Hanalei logging nearly 18 inches and mountainous elevations receiving up to 20 inches. This triggered localized flash flooding, road-blocking mudslides, and runoff that isolated several communities.
- Coastal Damage and Storm Surge: Massive waves and storm surge heavily battered southern and western shorelines. Coastal roads were torn up, sand and lava rock were pushed deep inland, and waterfront properties sustained significant structural damage, including reports of at least one home being displaced from its foundation. Voluntary evacuations were issued for around 650 coastal residences.
- Casualties and Disruptions: At least one storm-related death was reported on Oahu when a tree crushed a tent, while multiple storm-related injuries were reported on Kauai. More than 300 people sought refuge in emergency shelters. Lihue Airport canceled all commercial flights during the height of the storm, and schools and non-essential government offices were closed across Kauai and Oahu.
- Recovery Efforts: Over 300 National Guard personnel were deployed alongside state and county transportation crews to clear major thoroughfares, restore electricity to critical facilities like hospitals, and assess total damage, which Hawaii Governor Josh Green indicated could reach hundreds of millions of dollars.