Kauai Plans Park Closures as Hurricane Lowell Approaches

Kauai stores have run out of emergency equipment, including generators, as residents prepare for Hurricane Lowell, Hawaii News Now reported Sept. 7. The preparations draw on memories of Hurricane Iniki’s devastation in 1992.

For travelers, the immediate concern extends beyond the airport. Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches are in effect for Kauai and Niihau, according to CNN’s report, with dangerous surf, heavy rain and possible mudslides expected as Lowell passes offshore.

Lowell’s forecast puts western Hawaii on alert

CNN reported Lowell was a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph, citing the National Hurricane Center. That forecast called for the storm to be near Category 2 strength at its closest approach, with its center passing about 100 miles west of Niihau, or 150 miles west of Kauai, from later Monday night through Tuesday morning.

The forecast track would keep the hurricane’s worst winds offshore, CNN reported. Tropical-storm-force winds of over 39 mph were expected in the western islands late Monday into Tuesday local time; mountain peaks and slopes could experience hurricane-force gusts.

Kauai County announced plans to close all parks and campgrounds and establish five refuge areas Sunday, according to CNN. The Kauai Emergency Management Agency urged residents to stay home and off roads as conditions worsen, fill gas tanks, charge devices and keep enough food and water on hand.

Check flight status before traveling

Hawaii News Now’s headline raises the possibility of airline cancellations. The two reports identify no specific canceled flights; that does not establish that no cancellations have occurred.

Travelers should verify their flight status directly with their airline before setting out. An operating flight also does not resolve the separate concerns about local roads, campgrounds and coastal conditions documented in CNN’s report.