Hawaii Faces Severe Impacts from Record El Niño Hurricanes

Hawaii has recently experienced significant effects from three hurricanes over the past month, forewarning what this year’s unprecedented El Niño could bring to other states. While Hurricane Nolo eventually diverted, Hurricanes Lowell and Lala caused considerable rainfall and flooding, leading to power disruptions, road washouts, and destruction of homes.

On August 15, residents of Hawaiian Ocean View, Hawaii endured supplies-laden journeys under Hurricane Lala’s downpour. Unusually warm waters have encircled Hawaii for months, extending over thousands of miles. This vast area of record ocean heat has fostered updrafts and thunderstorms across the eastern and central Pacific, creating conditions favorable for tropical storm development and intensification into hurricanes.

An area of ocean in the equatorial Pacific, marked vividly with orange and red tones, signifies the strongest El Niño recorded. While hurricanes are not unheard of in this region, they typically diminish before impacting Hawaii due to cooler waters and challenging winds. But this year’s scenario has been different.

A snapshot from August 16 shows a teenager wading through water near Mountain View, Hawaii, following Hurricane Lala’s flood events. On August 17, streets in Naalehu, Hawaii were strewn with debris from the hurricane. The west side of Oahu faced the wrath of Hurricane Lowell on September 8, with massive waves crashing ashore.

In addition to its heavy rains and winds, Hurricane Lowell left many local areas without power for several days. Communities reliant on tourism expressed frustration and concern about sustaining their livelihoods. Notably, Hurricane Lowell severely impacted homes and hotels along Kauai’s southern shore.

Thousands lost access to running water, and dozens of families faced displacement, according to Honolulu Civil Beat, which reported that Hurricane Lowell demolished 10 homes and severely damaged at least 67 others. Hawaii’s Big Island faced flooding, landslides, and toppled trees despite Hurricane Lowell not making landfall.

Peggy McKibbin assessed flood damage from Hurricane Lala in Naalehu, Hawaii. With hurricane season continuing until November across the eastern and central Pacific, El Niño heightens the risk of late-season storms. Hawaii remains vulnerable.