Kauaʻi Emergency Management urges residents to prepare now as forecasts bring major Hurricane Lowell closer to Kauaʻi County.
The exact storm track and impacts still remain uncertain; however, the county could experience strong winds, heavy rainfall, dangerous surf and coastal flooding beginning this weekend and continuing into early next week.
“Now is the time for every household on Kauaʻi to take preparedness seriously,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami in a county release Thursday. “Sit down with your ʻohana and make sure everyone knows what your plan is if conditions change. We may not know exactly what Lowell will bring, but we can make sure our families and our community are ready for whatever comes our way.”
Kauaʻi Emergency Management is coordinating closely with county, state and federal partners as well as with non-governmental organization and community partners. Updates will be provided as conditions warrant.
No tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings are in effect for Kauaʻi County, but could be issued if the forecast holds.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor official county channels and National Weather Service for updates as the forecast develops.
Kauaʻi remains within the forecast uncertainty cone for Monday, with Lowell forecast to pass west of Kauaʻi. Confidence in the extended track remains low, and the storm could still shift farther east toward Kauaʻi or move farther away.
A Category 3 hurricane is forecast at the storm’s closest approach to Kauaʻi County on Monday afternoon or evening.
Road closures/conditions
There are no road closures at this time.
Officials note that Kūhiō Highway, near the Hanalei Bridge, could be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a flash flood warning is issued.
Utilities and other services also could be disrupted.
Refuge areas
Kauaʻi Emergency Management will issue news releases, update the county website and its refuge area status page, as well as send notifications through the county’s Everbridge emergency notification system, when appropriate, should conditions change and refuge areas activated.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place could be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm surge areas.
Kauaʻi Emergency Management released an updated potential refuge area list in May which identifies facilities that can be considered for use during emergencies.
Not every facility on the list will open during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities also could be activated depending on incident and operational needs.
Facilities closures
Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will be closed Sunday because of anticipated inclement weather.
Additional county services and facilities could close with little to no notice, depending on severity of the incoming storm and its effects.
Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks is implementing the following closures because of incoming inclement weather:
- Polihale State Park will close to overnight camping and day use today until further notice.
- Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park will close to overnight camping beginning today until further notice.
- Kalalau Trail will remain open for day use only as far as Hanakāpīʻai. The trail beyond Hanakāpīʻai, including Nuʻalolo Kai and Miloliʻi, will be closed beginning today until further notice.
- Hā’ʻena Shuttle will continue to operate for day use of Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will arrive by helicopter this morning to notify all overnight visitors they must leave the area immediately.
Līhuʻe Airport remains open but those traveling are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding delays, cancellations or additional changes.
Do not participate in outdoor and ocean recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, surfing and more if hazards are forecast or present. Outdoor recreation areas can quickly become hazardous. Emergency rescues during severe weather might not be possible.
Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.
Pre-storm mitigation work
Kauaʻi County Department of Public Works crews at district baseyards conducted storm preparations including clearing ditches, cleaning drains and checking and fueling equipment. Crews pre-staged equipment in flood-prone areas so they can respond quickly if needed.
County crews also prepared signs, cones, barricades and electronic message boards for deployment during road closures, traffic control and public alerts as conditions change.
Preparedness
The public is strongly urged to check and replenish emergency disaster kits now rather than waiting.
Emergency disaster kits should include:
- At least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food.
- 1 gallon of water per person per day.
- Battery-powered radio.
- Flashlight.
- Extra supply of prescription medicines.
- Other items tailored to individual and family needs.
- Smaller, portable go-kit also is recommended should you need to evacuate.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment.
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances and equipment.
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
- Stay away from downed lines and report to 9-1-1.
Contact the utility co-op at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.
Important numbers and resources
Tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources also are available for emergency preparedness:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency.
- National Weather Service or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Kauaʻi County Department of Water; telephone number: 808-245-5400.
- Road and closure conditions: 808-241-1725
Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Report non-emergency incidents by contacting Kauaʻi Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711.
Speak with a county lifeguard, visit the Safe Beach Day website (safebeachday.com) or call Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 for updated information about ocean conditions and safety.
Visit the Kauaʻi Emergency Management website to sign up for Everbridge, the county’s emergency notification service, and click “Notification Services.” You also can text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777 or call Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
Possible hazards
Strong and gusty trade winds are expected through Sunday, with gusts higher than 50 mph possible in exposed areas, particularly over and downwind of terrain. Passing showers will primarily affect windward and mauka areas, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.
Surf is the most immediate concern.
A building south to southeast swell from Lowell is expected to bring elevated, potentially warning-level surf to south-facing shores during the next several days, becoming more southerly by Saturday.
Swells from Hurricane Karina also are expected along east-facing shores beginning Saturday and continuing into early next week.
The most significant surf is expected Monday, when a large south to southwest swell from Lowell will coincide with the month’s highest tides. Extreme surf and coastal flooding are possible along south- and west-facing shores.
The potential for flash flooding remains limited through Saturday, but will increase Sunday and Monday. Significant flooding is possible depending on Lowell’s rainbands and exact track.
Significant and potentially damaging winds also are possible Monday, with major hurricane force winds possible if the storm’s track shifts closer to Kauaʻi.
A high surf advisory remains in effect for south- and southeast-facing shores.
