Hurricane Lowell Prompts Warnings For Hawaii

(MENAFN- IANS) Los Angeles, Sep 8 (IANS) Hurricane warnings have been issued for parts of Hawaii as Hurricane Lowell approaches the western Hawaiian Islands, with tropical storm warnings also in effect for Oahu, according to the latest updates from the US National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Hurricane warnings are now in effect for Kauai, Niihau and surrounding waters to the north, south and west, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the NWS Honolulu office.

The centre of Lowell is forecast to pass near or west of Niihau Monday night and early Tuesday, and hurricane conditions are expected in Kauai County beginning Monday night, the NHC said in an update.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate Monday afternoon. Higher wind gusts are expected atop mountains and on windward and leeward slopes, according to the NHC on Monday (local time).

Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially across Kauai County and portions of the Big Island, the NHC said.

Swells generated by Lowell are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across many of the Hawaiian Islands over the next several days, the NHC warned.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation on September 3 covering the entire state to support preparations for and potential impacts from Hurricane Lowell, Hurricane Karina, Tropical Storm Marie and any additional storms that could affect Hawaii.

The proclamation allows state and county agencies to mobilise personnel, equipment and resources more quickly as Hawaii continues recovering from Tropical Cyclone Lala.

Last month, Hurricane Lala battered the island state. About 17,000 customers on the island remained without power for days, while residents in parts of the southern Kau district struggled with roads covered by mud, boulders and fallen trees.

Hawaii police said one death appeared related to Lala and another may have been storm-related.

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