Hurricane Lowell slams Hawaii with life-threatening rain, prompts state of emergency: Latest
Hawaii is under a state of emergency as Hurricane Lowell slams the islands with life-threatening rain.
Destructive wind gusts have topped 90 mph and Lowell has sparked Hawaii's first-ever tornado watch.
In the last 24 hours, the island of Kauai has been flooded as Lowell drenched the streets with 3-to-10 inches of rain.
Rainfall rates reached up to 2 inches per hour overnight.
A flash flood warning has been issued across Kauai as rivers and streams swell over their banks.
Lowell is expected to drop another 4 to 8 inches of rain on Kauai. And on the island’s highest mountain elevations, more than 17 inches of rain has fallen so far, with more still possible.
Flash flooding and mudslides are possible on Kauai and parts of Hawaii's Big Island.
Over 90% of customers lost power on Kauai, according to the local power company.
"If you’re already in a safe place, stay there," Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said. "Keep conserving your water. Keep your devices charged while you still have power."
Beyond Kauai, rain totals have reached 9 inches on Oahu and 5 to 10 inches on Maui's higher elevations.
Dangerous waves are also a threat. Waves up to 30 feet were possible on Kauai Tuesday morning and waves were forecast to reach 25 feet and 20 feet in Oahu and Maui respectively.
Lowell moved west of Hawaii as a Category 2 hurricane and has since weakened to a Category 1 hurricane.
In the coming days, Lowell will weaken as it moves north and northwest of Hawaii.
