Kaua‘i County officials urge public to continue vigilance as severe weather persists

Kaua‘i County officials urge the public to keep their guard up and not dismiss the powerful kona low moving through the state, which continues to cause inclement weather that is impacting the county.

First responders are on scene closely monitoring Wailuā River because water levels rose overnight.

Water levels are also elevated by Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge. Officials are closely monitoring that area and note the roadway could be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a flash flood warning is issued.

A flood advisory in effect for the Garden Isle was just extended for a fifth time since it was first issued shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday (March 12).

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu say the advisory will continue until at least 9 a.m. today as a persistent band of showers continues to cause flooding because of excessive rainfall — some of which is falling at up to 1 1/2 inches an hour.

Refuge areas

No refuge areas are open at this time. However, there are refuge areas on standby islandwide should the need arise.

Facilities closures

Hawai‘i Department of Education closed all public and charter schools as well as department offices for today.

All Kaua‘i County offices, facilities and services — except for essential workers — also are shuttered.

Kaua‘i Bus 900/950 express route will not operate at 7:10, 9:20 and 11:10 a.m. today. All other service is still planned as scheduled, pending weather conditions. Service disruptions can occur, however, with little to no notice.

The state also closed all facilities, services and state parks on Kaua‘i.

Road closures

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reports Kūhiō Highway near mile marker 1 and Wilcox Medical Center is partially blocked by debris. Crews are on scene.

A large tree is down on Menehune Road in Waimea. Crews with Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works are responding.

Weather forecast

The National Weather Service reports that a powerful kona low is still expected to bring a prolonged period of hazardous weather to Kaua‘i through the weekend.

Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to significant flash flooding, especially as saturated soil increases the risk of runoff and flooding even with steady rainfall.

Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe from today through Saturday.

In addition, strengthening southwesterly Kona winds could produce damaging gusts, particularly in communities north and east of steep mountain slopes, with the potential for downed trees, blocked roadways and power outages.

Unsettled wet weather with continued southwest winds could persist into early next week before conditions gradually improve as the storm system lifts north of the islands.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative

Standard tips to prepare for power outages

• Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment.
• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment.
• Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
• Stay away from downed lines and report to 9-1-1.

Contact Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.

Safety advisory

• Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a brown water advisory for Kaua‘i. State health officials advise beach users to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.
• The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails and other outdoor recreation areas could quickly become hazardous.
• Emergency rescues might not be possible during severe weather.
• Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean — know before you go.
• Speak to a Kaua‘i County lifeguard, visit the Safe Beach Day website or call Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 for up-to-date information about ocean conditions and safety.

Important contacts and resources

Stay tuned to local media for the most up-to-date information.

Resources for emergency preparedness

• Contact Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711 to report non-emergency road hazards.
• Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website.
• National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
• Road and closure conditions: Call 808-241-1725.

Do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.

Sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System — Kaua‘i County’s emergency notification service — by visiting the Kaua‘i Emergency Management website and clicking “WENS.” You also can call Kaua‘i Emergency Management at 808-241-1800.