Climate News
Hurricane Lowell knocks out power across most of Kauai without making landfall
Hurricane Lowell passed west of Hawaii's islands on 8 September without making landfall, but it still caused widespread damage on Kauai and nearby islands. Al Jazeera, citing AP, reported that winds and heavy rain cut power to at least 30,000 people. That was nearly 92% of customers of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. The storm centre passed about 128km west of the island, with gusts of about 85mph. Flooding hit coastal roads and about 300 people were evacuated. Kauai's mayor, Derek Kawakami, said there was "extensive damage".
The Guardian's weather tracker reported that Lowell's centre came within 50 miles of the island of Niihau as a category 2 storm, with winds of up to 110mph. A tornado watch issued for Kauai was probably the first in Hawaii's history, although no tornado was confirmed. The US National Weather Service said five named storms had formed in the central Pacific so far this season, with the strong El Niño a key driver.
How each outlet framed it
- Al Jazeera — the power cuts, the evacuations and the clean-up instructions for residents.
- The Guardian — the meteorology: the storm's track, the first tornado watch, and El Niño's role in an above-normal season.
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser — the local paper's headline: storm surge and winds "devastate" Kauai.
- Hawaii Public Radio — live updates as Lowell moved north past Kauai County.
Where the numbers differ: Al Jazeera called Lowell a "weakened Category 1 hurricane" when it passed Kauai. The Guardian described its centre as category 2 when it passed Niihau. The storm's strength changed along its path.
What we don't know yet: the full cost of repairs to Kauai's power network and coastal roads.