Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii braces for heavy rain as schools set to close

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii braces for heavy rain as schools set to close The closures take effect across Oahu and Kauai County - Bookmark Hawaii Governor Josh Green has closed schools and government offices on Oahu and the westernmost islands of Kauai and Niihau for Tuesday. The measures came as Hurricane Lowell was expected to pass nearby, threatening damaging winds, mudslides, possible tornadoes, dangerous rip currents and up to 24 inches of rain in parts of Kauai. The closures, covering community colleges alongside state and county offices, were put into effect across Oahu and Kauai County, which was under a National Hurricane Center warning. The county encompasses Kauai, which has a population of over 73,000, and Niihau, home to fewer than 100 residents. A portion of the vast Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument was also included in the warning. The weather agency also warned late Monday of the possibility of “several tornadoes” near Kauai and Niihau in the evening and overnight, with tornadoes also possible on other Hawaiian Islands. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Oahu, which has close to 1 million residents. The National Hurricane Center said the core of the storm was expected to pass near or just west of Niihau late Monday and early Tuesday. While the winds — which were strong enough to make Lowell a Category 2 hurricane as of Monday afternoon — were expected to weaken, the storm was expected to remain a hurricane at its closest approach to the islands. “Closing offices, schools and courts will help keep people off the roads during dangerous conditions and allow emergency crews to focus on protecting our communities,” Green said in a news release. “I urge everyone in Kaua'i County to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and follow all official emergency instructions.” He also urged residents to stay away from shorelines, avoid driving through floodwaters, prepare for power outages and monitor for updates. Isolated rainfall totals of up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) were expected in Oahu and Maui, and 12 inches (30 centimeters) was expected in portions of the Big Island of Hawaii, the farthest east of the state's major islands. Last month, the state had a brush with Tropical Storm Lala. While it did not make landfall, it hit Hawaii — and especially the Big Island — hard, leaving behind landslides, washing away about 100 homes and causing widespread power outages.