Story perspectives

Hurricane Lowell knocks out power for 60,000 Kauai residents

9/9/2026

Summary

Lowell Strikes Kauai

Hurricane Lowell, a Category 2 storm, struck western Niihau and Kauai, prompting an emergency declaration.
More than 60,000 customers lost power, affecting about 90% of Kauai residents.
Wind speeds peaked at 100 mph gusts and 105 mph sustained near the islands.
A tornado watch, Hawaii’s first, covered Niihau, Kauai and surrounding waters.
Damage could reach $600 million to $1 billion, according to officials.

Summary

Green Orders Closures

Governor Josh Green ordered closure of state and county offices and schools on Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu for Tuesday.
Lihue Airport and Port Allen Harbor shut, halting commercial flights and cargo.
Board of Water Supply told Oahu residents to use water only for cooking, drinking, hygiene.
Kauai Emergency Management Agency dispatched helicopters Tuesday morning to assess storm damage.
A pet-friendly hurricane refuge opened at Nanakuli Elementary, sheltering families.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai as a Category 4 storm, causing $3.1 billion in damage and prompting Governor John Waihee to work with FEMA and the U.S. Navy on shelter pre-positioning and water-restriction policies. Those measures shaped the response to Hurricane Lowell in September 2026, when Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency and issued Hawaii’s first tornado watch.

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Lowell Strikes Kauai

Hurricane Lowell, a Category 2 storm, struck western Niihau and Kauai, prompting an emergency declaration.
More than 60,000 customers lost power, affecting about 90% of Kauai residents.
Wind speeds peaked at 100 mph gusts and 105 mph sustained near the islands.
A tornado watch, Hawaii’s first, covered Niihau, Kauai and surrounding waters.
Damage could reach $600 million to $1 billion, according to officials.

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