Story
September 10, 2026
Hurricane Lowell Leaves Kauai Reeling as Crews Race to Restore Power
Officials had urged Kauai residents to prepare and shelter before Lowell arrived; after the storm’s close pass, the priority shifted to avoiding fresh danger while emergency crews reopened roads, assessed damage and restored essential services.
By Monday evening, Hurricane Lowell was bearing down on Hawaii’s westernmost islands as a Category 2 storm, about 170 miles southwest of Lihue with sustained winds of 110 mph. Its late northward turn had pushed the projected track uncomfortably close to Kauai and Niihau, bringing the state’s first-ever tornado watch, warnings of flooding and mudslides, and forecasts for 20- to 30-foot surf.1
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami framed the approaching storm as a test of preparation rather than curiosity. “Over the past 24 hours we have watched this system veer closer to us, too close for comfort,” he said, telling people to finish preparations and be indoors by midday.1 Schools and government offices were ordered shut, coastal residents were advised to seek safer accommodation, and travelers had already crowded Lihue Airport trying to leave.
By Tuesday morning, Lowell’s center was moving away, but the damage was becoming plain. The hurricane’s broad wind field delivered gusts reaching 80 mph, heavy rain, dangerous surf and flooding despite passing west of the islands. About 32,478 Kauai electricity customers — roughly 88% of the island total — were without power.2
Early reports described a home blown off its foundation, a roof torn from another house, a tree striking a Kilauea home and one overnight injury. Water reportedly flooded the Sheraton Kauai Resort pool area and surrounded the building; several cars were said to have floated away. Lihue airport remained closed, while debris, downed trees and flood conditions shut key roads and bridges, including stretches of Kuhio Highway and Route 50.2
Emergency officials urged both residents and visitors not to drive while crews cleared routes and worked on power lines. “As the light comes up and the extent of the damage from Hurricane Lowell comes into focus, we want to ensure that no additional emergency situations arise unnecessarily,” said Kauai Emergency Management Agency administrator Elton Ushio.2 The immediate storm threat was easing, but for Kauai, recovery had only begun.