Kauai's Hurricane Iniki Memories Resurface as Lowell Approaches

It has been 34 years since Hurricane Iniki roared ashore in Kauai and killed six people. While direct tropical weather strikes are rare in Hawaii, it is easy to understand why residents of Kauai are on edge as Hurricane Lowell makes its approach this weekend. Here is a look back at Iniki, as well as the latest on Lowell.

Hurricane Lowell's Approach Conjuring Up Memories of Hurricane Iniki

Meteorologists are warning that Hurricane Lowell could follow a similar track as the worst hurricane to ever impact the Hawaiian Islands. Lowell is currently churning well south of the islands; however, it is forecast to take a sharp turn to the north that would send it close to Kauai later this weekend.

Hurricane Iniki made landfall on the western side of Kauai as a major Category 4 storm on September 11, 1992. In addition to the six confirmed fatalities, the Hawaii Department of Defense said that 70% of the homes and businesses on this island were damaged or destroyed. Iniki remains the state's deadliest and costliest hurricane, earning a spot in the Hawaii history books.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Iniki made a turn to the north just before reaching Kauai. Like Lowell, Iniki also spun up during an El Niño year. Iniki was packing maximum sustained winds of 145 mph with gusts reaching 172 when it came ashore.

Tropical weather strikes on Hawaii are exceptionally rare. The cooler waters that surround the islands put a lid on tropical development when systems approach the region. In addition, a sprawling zone of high pressure usually anchored northeast of the islands pushes tropical systems away from the area. NOAA notes that only four major hurricanes have passed within 50 miles of the island chain.

That said, a strong El Niño can break down the natural barriers that surround Hawaii, paving the way for tropical weather to churn near the islands. This helps explain why the Eastern and Central Pacific are experiencing an elevated amount of tropical activity this year.

What to Expect from Hurricane Lowell in the Coming Days

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami is telling residents to remain calm but to prepare for direct impacts. Kawakami said that "I know this forecast is scary, especially for those of us who remember Iniki. But stay calm, stay informed, and be prepared." The mayor recommended that residents gather 14 days' worth of supplies in addition to a go bag and a battery-powered radio.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring Lowell as it inches closer to Hawaii. The latest update has the storm moving to the west at a speed of 8 mph. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph.

Even if Kauai does not sustain a direct strike, it will likely see heavy rain, high winds, and rough seas beginning this weekend. When Lowell makes its turn to the north will determine the severity of the impacts.

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