Hurricane Lowell passed Oahu with wind gusts up to 80 mph, leaving 21,000 without power. Flash flood watches remain in effect.

Schools on Kaua‘i, Niʻihau and O‘ahu are closing Tuesday as Hawai‘i waits for Lowell to pass. Thousands on Kauaʻi are without power.

Officials urged travelers to reschedule trips to Kauai or shift their destination to another island, as clean up operations are underway.

Honolulu officials are urging residents to prepare immediately for potential impacts from Category 5 Hurricane Lowell, which is forecasted to potentially turn toward the islands late this weekend or early next week.

While experienced surfers navigated the swell, authorities reiterated that anyone unfamiliar with these waters or lacking advanced experience should stay out of the ocean.

Honolulu’s breezy weather is about to get windier, with scattered showers today and rougher conditions along east-facing shores.

Hurricane Lowell was skirting western Hawaii, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain and punishing waves, the National Hurricane Center said.

The powerful storm is not expected to make a direct landfall but is still forecast to bring serious weather to the islands.

All non-essential offices, public schools and University of Hawaii campuses and Judiciary facilities on Oahu will reopen Wednesday as Hurricane Lowell moves away from the state.