Hawaii Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Lowell Threatens Islands

Emergency Declaration and Immediate Actions

Governor Josh Green signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency for all four major islands after the National Hurricane Center warned that Hurricane Lowell could bring life threatening rain and strong winds. The order activates the full range of state resources, authorizes emergency spending and clears the way for federal assistance if needed.

Governor's Order

The governor’s directive emphasizes three priorities: protecting lives, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and supporting communities at risk of flooding. State agencies are instructed to coordinate with local officials to enforce evacuation orders and to open shelters where needed.

Local Agency Mobilization

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) activated its Incident Command System and began deploying teams to monitor river levels, inspect coastal barriers and pre‑position supplies. The agency also issued a public advisory urging residents to secure loose objects, stock up on water and non perishable food, and to keep mobile devices charged.

Forecast and Potential Impacts

According to the National Hurricane Center, Lowell is expected to pass within 50 miles of the islands as a Category 1 system, but its large wind field could generate storm surge of up to three feet along vulnerable shorelines. Rainfall forecasts show totals of 8 to 12 inches in the mountainous interior, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Storm Track and Strength

Lowell originated in the central Pacific and has been intensifying over warm sea surface temperatures. While wind speeds may remain just below hurricane force at landfall, the storm’s slow forward motion will prolong heavy rain over the same areas, a factor that emergency planners cite as a major concern.

Flood and Landslide Risks

The combination of steep terrain and saturated soils makes the islands especially prone to mudslides. The U.S. Geological Survey has issued a landslide watch for Kauai, Oahu and Maui, advising residents to avoid low lying roads and to stay alert for sudden water surges.

Preparedness Measures for Residents

Officials have outlined clear steps for households and businesses to reduce risk. The following checklist is recommended for every household:

• Identify the nearest shelter and confirm its operating hours.
• Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, medication and important documents.
• Secure windows and doors with shutters or plywood.
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug appliances that could cause fire.
• Stay informed through official channels and weather apps.

Evacuation Zones

Each county has mapped zones based on floodplain data. Residents in Zone A, located along the eastern coast of Kauai and the southern coast of Oahu, are advised to evacuate immediately. Zone B areas may be required to leave if river levels exceed warning thresholds.

Shelters and Resources

Public shelters have been opened at schools, community centers and military bases. They provide bedding, meals and medical assistance. For those with special needs, HI-EMA has arranged transportation and on‑site support.

Historical Context and Comparison

Hawaii has faced several tropical systems in recent decades, but few have combined the size of Lowell with the steep topography of the islands. Hurricane Iniki in 1992 caused extensive damage on Kauai, while Hurricane Lane in 2018 produced record rainfall on the Big Island. Comparing those events helps officials gauge potential damage and allocate resources more effectively.

Past Hurricanes in Hawaii

Key lessons from previous storms include the importance of early evacuation, rapid road clearance and the need for robust communication networks. After Iniki, the state invested in stronger building codes, which are now being applied to new construction in flood prone areas.

How to Stay Informed

Accurate information is essential during a fast moving event. Residents should rely on the following sources:

1. Hawaii Public Radio for hourly updates.
2. The official HI-EMA website for shelter locations and evacuation orders.
3. National Weather Service alerts via the Weather.gov portal.
4. Live coverage from national networks such as CBS News for on‑the‑ground reporting.

By following these channels, residents can make informed decisions and protect themselves and their families as Hurricane Lowell approaches.