Heavy rain expected to hit Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau this afternoon

County of Kaua‘i officials are urging the public to be vigilant due to potential severe weather conditions starting this afternoon and continuing overnight through Friday afternoon.

“Officials advise caution and recommend avoiding non-essential travel and outdoor activities during inclement weather with heavy rain and possible strong thunderstorms in the forecast,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “In past Flash Flood Warning events, multiple people had to be rescued when trying to cross flood-prone areas like roadways, rivers/streams, and low-lying areas.”

Officials advise the public not to call Kaua‘i Police Dispatch for weather-related or road conditions, as these calls significantly interfere with regular work. For road and closure conditions, call 808-241-1725. For weather questions, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo.

According to the National Weather Service forecast, the island of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau is under a flood watch from this afternoon through Friday afternoon. A slow-moving convergence band will approach Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau from the west today and linger through Friday, bringing the potential for heavy showers and thunderstorms that could lead to flash flooding. Showers will move over the islands from the south, increasing the potential for flooding in normally dry leeward areas.

Officials note that Kūhiō Highway, near the Hanalei Bridge, may need to be closed with short to no-advanced notice, mainly if a flash flood warning is issued, and that utilities and other services may be disrupted.

In addition, Kaumuali‘i Highway in Kekaha, near Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, may close with short to no-advanced notice as it is undergoing emergency repairs. Other areas that may be affected include the southern and western portions of the island and any low-lying regions.

County, state, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and actively coordinate in preparation.

Officials recommend having emergency preparedness kits as well as an action plan for evacuation or taking shelter.

Learn more about how to prepare for a power outage here. For more water emergency preparedness tips, visit kauaiwater.org.

The Kekaha Landfill and County refuse transfer stations may close due to severe and inclement weather. For more information, visit www.kauai.gov/TransferStations or call 808-241-4841.

Stay tuned with the most up-to-date information with Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency here.