Three hurricanes have battered Hawaii within the past month, indicating the impacts of a record-setting El Niño on various states this year. Recent hurricanes brought substantial rainfall and flooding, disrupting daily life.
Hurricane Nolo changed course away from Hawaii, while Hurricane Lowell and Hurricane Lala resulted in power outages, road washouts, and destroyed homes.
A resident of Hawaiian Ocean View, Hawaii, carries supplies amid rain from Hurricane Lala on Aug. 15. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images)
Warm ocean waters spanning thousands of miles have surrounded Hawaii for months. This vast area of heated waters has prompted significant thunderstorm activity across the eastern and central Pacific, creating favorable conditions for tropical storms to form and escalate into hurricanes.
An image of the Pacific Ocean shows warmer-than-average waters, marking an unprecedented El Niño. (Ben Noll/The Washington Post/NASA)
Hurricanes in the region typically dissipate before reaching Hawaii due to cooler waters and strong winds, making direct impacts rare. However, this year’s conditions are different.
A teenager wades through water as others look on near Mountain View, Hawaii, following Hurricane Lala on Aug. 16. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images)
A woman and child walk past storm debris in Naalehu, Hawaii, on Aug. 17. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Lowell hit Oahu on Sept. 8 with large waves, causing serious disruptions. Many were left without power for days. Areas tied to tourism expressed concerns over economic losses as homes and hotels experienced significant damage.
A large wave from Hurricane Lowell crashes on Oahu’s west side on Sept. 8. (Craig Fujii/Honolulu Civil Beat/AP)
Hurricane Lowell caused extensive damage on Kauai’s south shore. (Nathan Eagle/Honolulu Civil Beat/AP)
The Honolulu Civil Beat reported widespread water access loss and displacement of families. Officials said Lowell destroyed ten homes and significantly damaged at least 67 others.
Damage on Kauai from Hurricane Lowell. (Guy Miller/Honolulu Civil Beat/AP)
Despite no landfall, Hurricane Lowell resulted in flooding, landslides, and fallen trees on the Big Island. The hurricane inflicted significant destruction throughout the affected regions.
Peggy McKibbin assesses flood damage in Naalehu, Hawaii, after Hurricane Lala. (Gregory Bull/AP)
The hurricane season in the eastern and central Pacific lasts until November, with El Niño raising the possibility of late-season storms. Hawaii remains vulnerable to potential threats.