State, counties mobilize resources ahead of Hurricane Lowell

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State and county emergency crews are actively mobilizing personnel and heavy equipment across the islands as Hurricane Lowell threatens a northward turn toward the state.

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The system underwent rapid intensification Friday morning, restrengthening into a category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour.

Emergency managers are focusing heavily on Kauaʻi County, where the center of Lowell is forecast to make its closest approach just west of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau between Monday and Tuesday.

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Officials warned that severe weather hazards will extend far beyond the storm’s forecast cone.

“Look, I want to say this is a serious storm,” Green said, noting that a direct hit could mirror the destruction of Hurricane Iniki in 1992. “We’re hopeful that those hurricanes will be less consequential and will also move past the islands, but this is a serious storm season.”

Multi-agency emergency preparations underway

State agencies have begun coordinating preemptive infrastructure measures to mitigate potential flooding and wind damage. These efforts include lowering reservoir water levels, clearing streams and waterways, securing state harbors, and preparing state parks and forest lands for closures.

The Department of Transportation is actively monitoring highways and preparing response crews, following rapid road repairs made on the Big Island after Hurricane Lala.

The Hawaiʻi National Guard has postured 146 soldiers and airmen statewide, with additional deployments planned over the holiday weekend.

In Kauaʻi County, 36 Guard personnel will be on active duty by Saturday.

“As of 9 o’clock this morning, additional vehicles arrived via Young Brothers and are currently being offloaded at the harbor at Nāwiliwili,” said Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, noting the shipment includes high-water vehicles, a potable water trailer, and a heavy roadway recovery vehicle.

Additional preparations include:

Watch the full press conference here:

Severe weather hazards forecast

The National Weather Service reported that Lowell’s tropical storm force winds currently expand 150 miles from the center and are expected to widen as the storm moves north.

Warning coordination meteorologist John Bravender explained that the forecast track only represents the center point of the system, while tropical storm force winds currently expand 150 miles outward and are expected to widen as the storm moves north.

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State and county officials are warning the public to prepare for multiple hazards beginning late Sunday:

Residents urged to prepare

Emergency officials also stressed that the threat comes as the state continues to recover from Hurricane Lala, which recently destroyed 25 homes and caused major damage to 56 others in the southern district of Hawaiʻi County. Power has been restored to 99% of affected Big Island residents, and crews have cleared 72,000 pounds of debris in the aftermath.

Statewide, residents are strongly urged to secure a 14-day supply of food, water, medicine, and emergency batteries ahead of the holiday weekend.

Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami confirmed that county officials are in direct communication with the Robinson family and residents of Niʻihau to ensure they are prepared.

He urged residents to remain calm, avoid driving during storm conditions, and stay out of the ocean.

“This is Kauaʻi. You’re not going to get anywhere sooner by rushing or being impatient on the road and at the gas stations,” Kawakami said.

Gov. Green added the Hawaii Department of Health has three hurricane refuge centers already open, or opening on Kauai to provide shelter if necessary.

Stay informed

Residents and visitors should monitor official forecasts, prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, secure outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen. Never drive, walk or swim through floodwaters.

Visitors should confirm flights, accommodations and activities directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. Visitor information is available at GoHawaii.com or by calling 1-800-GOHAWAII.

To receive county emergency alerts:

Residents should continue following updates from the National Weather Service, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and their county emergency management agency.

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For more information and to prepare for upcoming storms, visit ready.hawaii.gov.