Heavy rain and howling winds from Hurricane Lowell pounded Kauai early Tuesday, leaving nearly all of the Hawaiian island without power. The Category 2 storm, with sustained winds between 96 and 110 mph, passed 90 miles west of Lihue, Kauai's main town, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Flash floods, extreme surf, and landslides threatened Kauai County, including the private island of Niihau, with possible impacts on Oahu. Residents were urged to shelter in place.

Mount Waialeale recorded more than 17 inches of rain by early Tuesday. Over 33,000 customers — about 90 percent of the island — lost power, per the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. In Kapaa, roaring winds bent palm trees and rattled windows through the pitch-black night.

Longtime resident Kealiʻiheleua Makaloa Kaʻiminaʻauao, 47, stood ready in Koloa. His home survived Hurricanes Iniki (1992) and Iwa (1982), and he recently installed a new metal roof. He kept construction equipment gassed up, including a chain saw and excavator for rescues, and planned to monitor Waikomo Stream all night.

To the north, Hanalei residents were cut off by a bridge closure due to flooded roads. Joel Guy reported "whipping winds since the sun went down" and rolling blackouts. Though stranded, he felt safe at home.