Residents on the Hawaiian island of Kauai spent the weekend preparing for strong winds and heavy rain. The impending arrival of Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm by late Sunday, was not enough to completely derail holiday plans.
The hurricane was expected to pass near the Hawaiian Islands by Monday evening. Forecasts suggested rainfall between two and 10 inches across the state. Some areas, particularly Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island, could experience isolated totals up to 14 inches.
Despite these forecasts, Lehua Lanning proceeded with her baby shower, celebrating her first child’s upcoming arrival. The event took place Saturday evening at a beachside park on Kauai’s east side. Approximately 100 guests enjoyed local dishes, including kalua pig, smoked meat, ribs, and rice, accompanied by reggae music.
“It was either now or never,”
said Lanning, 21, while expressing concern about her baby possibly arriving during the storm.
Rain started on Sunday afternoon, prompting Kauai officials to urge residents to remain home as the storm approached.