Emergency siren sounds on Niihau ahead of Hurricane Lowell

LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Kauai Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) sounded the outdoor warning siren on Niihau as hurricane-force winds from Hurricane Lowell moved toward the island Monday evening.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Rain, high winds and big surf as Lowell passes

The county said the siren was activated before the winds were forecast to arrive to give residents a final signal to shelter indoors.

KEMA said the trigger for the sirens sounding was the imminent arrival of sustained hurricane-force winds of 74 mph or greater.

Sirens on Kauaʻi have not been activated, officials said. If forecast conditions warrant, KEMA may activate sirens on Kauaʻi later using the same trigger — the imminent arrival of hurricane-force winds.

Any activation will be announced through Kauai County’s emergency notification system.

The National Weather Service forecast the core of Hurricane Lowell to pass near or just west of Niihau Monday night and into early Tuesday.

Read more Oahu public schools, state and city offices to close Tuesday due to Hurricane Lowell

Kauai and Niihau are under a hurricane warning, meaning hurricane conditions of strong winds and heavy rain are expected.

A tornado watch is also in effect until 4 a.m. Kauai, Niihau and surrounding waters for tornadoes and waterspouts associated with Lowell.

Read more: Hurricane warning for Kauai County, tropical storm warning for Oahu as Lowell closes in

Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for the County’s emergency notification system, Everbridge. Registration can be done at www.kauai.gov/kema by clicking on “Notification Services.”

Read more Hurricane warning for Kauai County, tropical storm warning for Oahu as Lowell closes in

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