Updated April 10, 4 a.m.:
Kaua‘i County officials urge the public to remain vigilant because of severe weather conditions.
The National Weather Service canceled the flash flood warning for Kauaʻi, but a flash flood watch is in effect through 6 p.m. Friday.
There also is a flood advisory in effect Friday morning for Kauaʻi until 6:45 a.m.
On Friday morning, several roads remain closed, including Kūhiō Highway, near Hanalei Bridge, because of flooding from elevated stream levels at Hanalei River. (Complete list below)
Hanalei Elementary School will be closed due to flooding conditions impacting access to the campus, the state Department of Education said.
On Thursday evening, a brown water advisory has been issued for all of Kaua‘i.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health is advising beachgoers to avoid entering waters that appear brown or murky, particularly after storms or periods of heavy rain. Runoff during these conditions can carry elevated levels of pollutants into nearshore waters.
Health officials recommend staying out of affected ocean waters for 48 to 72 hours after rainfall ends and conditions return to normal.
The department also warns the public to avoid swimming, wading, or drinking from freshwater streams and ponds due to the risk of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria.
The high wind warning and high surf advisory for Kauaʻi also have been canceled.
Weather forecast
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu report that an increasingly active weather pattern will continue to impact Kauaʻi through Friday as strengthening low pressure northwest of the state pulls more deep tropical moisture over the island.
Periods of heavy rain, strong southerly winds and isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible and likely, with the greatest potential for significant rainfall and flash flooding focused on Kauaʻi during the early phase of this event.
Another round of unsettled weather is possible from Sunday into early next week.
Refuge areas
A community-led refuge area at Hale Halawai in Hanalei is open. Other refuge areas islandwide are on standby, should the need arise.
Facilities closures
- Hawai‘i Department of Education canceled school Friday for only Hanalei Elementary School. All other schools will operate on regular schedules.
- Kapa‘a Refuse Transfer Station will not accept green waste until further notice because of weather conditions.
- Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative crews successfully restored power to Hanalei Refuse Transfer Station. The facility is open, with all services available.
- Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the Kalalau Trail and Polihale State Park until further notice. Hā‘ena Shuttle is also suspended until further notice.
- The state also closed the Wailuā River to all vessels.
- County services and facilities could close with little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.
Road closures as of about 9 p.m. Thursday, April 9
- Kūhiō Highway, near Hanalei Bridge, remains closed because of flooding until further notice.
- Portion of Ala Wai Road in Waimea is experiencing heavy ponding.
- Portion of Ala Kalanikaumaka Street in the vicinity of the roundabout in Poʻipū is experiencing heavy ponding.
- Portion of Hoʻone Road in Poʻipū is closed because of heavy ponding.
- Portion of Weliweli Road in Kōloa is closed because of heavy ponding.
- Portion of Puolo Road in Hanapēpē is closed because of debris blocking the roadway from high surf.
- Portion of Lokokai Road in Hanapēpē is closed because of a downed tree and wires on the ground.
- Kōke‘e Road, from Kekaha Road to Waimea Canyon Drive, is closed because of a downed tree.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation advises road users that all special-use lanes on Kaua‘i will not be operational Friday, April 10, as crews address impacts of the severe weather system.
A full list of special-use lanes also includes Kūhiō Highway Southbound Contraflow.
Pe’e Road in Poʻipū was reopened for through traffic.
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative crews will be unable to respond to outages in Hanalei, Wainiha and Hā‘ena because of the closure of Kūhiō Highway leading to Hanalei.
Members in those areas should be prepared for extended outages when they occur.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from KIUC include:
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances & equipment.
- Turn off & unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment.
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio & flashlights with extra batteries.
- Stay away from downed lines & report to 9-1-1.
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts.
Ocean conditions
Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a brown water advisory for the entire island. Beach users are advised to stay our of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.
Speak with a county lifeguard, visit the Safe Beach Day website (www.safebeachday.com) or call Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 for up-to-date information about ocean conditions and safety measures.
Stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. Visit the National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office website or call the automated weather line at 808-245-6001 for the most recent information about advisories, watches and warnings issued for your area as well as other forecast information.
