The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning Sunday for Kauai and Niihau as Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph, edged closer to Hawaii’s islands. The storm, located about 545 miles south-southwest of Lihue and moving north at 6 mph, is expected to pass west of the islands late Monday into Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
Forecasters warn rainfall totals between 6 and 10 inches are possible on Kauai and Niihau, with some areas potentially seeing as much as 14 inches. Hawaii’s Big Island, while outside the tropical storm warning, could still experience 4 to 8 inches of rain from Lowell’s outer bands, with localized amounts reaching 12 inches. The moisture is likely to cause flooding and trigger mudslides, especially in hilly and mountainous terrain.
Hurricane-force winds extend roughly 50 miles from Lowell’s center, and tropical storm-force winds cover an even broader area, raising concerns for power outages and storm damage. Emergency officials in Hawaii have urged residents and visitors to secure property and prepare for disruptions.
While Northwest Arkansas doesn’t catch many hurricanes, the state’s emergency management agencies watch storms like Lowell for any indirect impacts, such as shifts in weather patterns that could affect rainfall or river conditions. Closer to home, local leaders have recently dealt with storm preparations through other natural events. For instance, back in July, Benton County coordinated flood response efforts after heavy rains swelled local rivers, reminding folks here how quickly weather can turn challenging.
Meanwhile, travelers passing through Northwest Arkansas airports should keep an eye on flight schedules if headed to the islands this week. Flights might be delayed or canceled as airlines respond to Lowell’s approach. Hotels in Hawaii are urging guests to follow local advisories, especially on Kauai and Niihau, where evacuation routes and shelters are being reviewed.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor Lowell’s path closely. Residents on Kauai are advised to prepare emergency kits, reinforce windows, and check communication plans, as flooding and wind damage remain the top concerns. Niihau, with a smaller population and limited access, is also under alert, though public information channels there tend to be less extensive.
For those wondering how this Midwest writer keeps tabs on Hawaii’s storms—you know it’s hard to ignore when a Category 3 hurricane makes a rare bear hug at the Pacific’s backyard. It’s a reminder that even if you live thousands of miles away, these events matter: friends, family, and neighbors in far-flung places rely on timely news to stay safe.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
