Multiple news outlets reported that Hurricane Lowell struck Hawaii’s western islands overnight Tuesday, causing at least two deaths and widespread infrastructure damage. The storm, which has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, prompted Governor Josh Green to request a federal major disaster declaration covering Kauai and Maui counties. Repairs and power restoration efforts were underway as of Thursday.
- Hurricane Lowell brushed Hawaii’s western islands overnight Tuesday with damaging winds extending well beyond the storm’s center, which remained offshore.
- At least two deaths are linked to the storm: a 74-year-old man found near the shoreline on Kauai’s south end, believed killed by storm surge, and a homeless man on Oahu killed when a tree fell on his tent.
- Kauai sustained damage to oceanfront resorts, roads, and power infrastructure; nearly 16,000 customers remained without power as of Thursday, though three hospitals had power restored. (Maui News)
- Lanai’s only cargo port — which supplies food and fuel to the island’s 3,300 residents — was knocked inoperable and is expected to take about two weeks to repair; alternative supply options were being planned.
- Gov. Green requested a federal major disaster declaration from President Trump to expedite aid for Kauai and Maui counties.
- Gov. Green said the overall destruction may be comparable to Hurricane Iniki, a Category 4 storm that struck Kauai in 1992 and caused $3 billion in damage. (Inquirer)
- Lowell has since been downgraded to a tropical storm and is moving westward over open water.
- A new storm, Tropical Storm Norbert, formed Thursday in the Pacific about 685 miles southwest of Baja California with 40 mph winds; it posed no immediate threat to land.
Sources
- Maui News: Two deaths linked Hurricane Lowell
- Denver7: Hurricane Lowell battered Hawaii’s western islands and is linked to at least 2 deaths
- Inquirer: Hurricane Lowell disrupts key Hawaii port, affecting food supplies
- News5Cleveland: Hurricane Lowell battered Hawaii’s western islands and is linked to at least 2 deaths
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