yaleclimateconnections.org
Hurricane Lowell slams Hawaii, triggering historic tornado watch and widespread flooding
Hurricane Lowell delivered a major blow to Hawaii, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds, dangerous surf, widespread flooding, prolonged power outages, and the first tornado watch ever issued for the state. The storm’s center stayed just offshore, passing west of Kauai and Niihau, but Lowell’s large circulation meant significant impacts spread well beyond the eye. It was another reminder that a hurricane does not need to make landfall to cause serious problems. Lowell had earlier undergone rapid intensification over the open Pacific, reaching Category 5 strength with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. It gradually weakened on approach to Hawaii and was a Category 2 hurricane during its closest pass, tracking north-northeast just west of Kauaʻi. Tropical-storm-force winds extended nearly 200 miles from the center, allowing hazardous conditions to spread across a large part of the state. The National Weather Service Doppler radar in Kauai was knocked out of service during Lowell and remained offline Tuesday morning HST. Torrential rains caused flash flooding Heavy rain was one of Lowell’s biggest threats, although Lowell’s weakening and acceleration on Monday night, and the patchy nature of its showers and thunderstorms, helped cut down on the observed amounts. According to the NWS office in...
