Officials warn of potentially inclement weather through middle of next week

Kaua‘i County officials are urging the public to remain vigilant as the potential for severe weather conditions continues into early next week.

The National Weather Service forecasts that mostly light winds will hold in place during the next few days, with showers favoring coastal areas at night and the island’s interiors during the afternoon and evening hours.

Locally heavy rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms is forecast through today (April 18) as an upper low moves over the state. Lingering moisture will likely keep the pattern rather showery, even in leeward areas at times, through the weekend.

Kaua’i already is pretty soggy after Thursday’s prelude to the approaching inclement weather after heavy rains and showers moved across the island throughout the day and into the night, triggering a flood advisory that was in place for most of the day.

Rain gauge data from the National Weather Service in Honolulu show several places on the Garden Isle have already gotten more than inch of rain:

• Mount Waiʻaleʻale gauge (USGS): 2.30 inches.
• Kapahi (12003) gauge: 2.19 inches.
• N. Wailua Ditch gauge (USGS): 2.04 inches.
• Puʻu ʻOpae gauge: 1.95 inches.
• Moloaʻa Dairy gauge: 1.88 inches.
• Waiahi Rain Gauge (USGS): 1.81 inches.
• Poʻipū gauge: 1.51 inches.

A new flood advisory was issued through 5 a.m. today as radar indicated at 1:57 a.m. heavy rain falling over interior portions of the island again at rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Rises in streams have been observed, even in areas where heavy rainfall has not occurred. Additional rainfall and stream rises are expected through the night.

A new storm system could bring another chance for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to the islands April 22-23.

County, state and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and actively coordinate for this potential inclement weather event.

Officials advise the public not to call Kaua‘i police dispatch for weather-related or road conditions. These calls significantly interfere with emergency work.

Call 808-241-1725 for road and closure condition information.

Contact the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit the Honolulu forecast office website for weather-related questions.

Officials note that Kūhiō Highway, near the Hanalei Bridge, might need to be closed — with short to no advance notice — especially if a flash flood warning is issued.

Utilities and other services also could be disrupted.

Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative include:

• 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 power lines and report them to 9-1-1.

The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river or beach excursions.

Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a Kaua‘i County lifeguard before entering the ocean.

Know before you go. For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and safety, speak to a county lifeguard, visit the Kaua‘i Safe Beach Day website or call Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

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

The following is a list of important resources for emergency preparedness.

• Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency: kauai.gov/kema.
• National Weather Service: weather.gov/hfo or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
• Road and closure conditions: 808-241-1725.

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

To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System, Kaua‘i County’s emergency notification service, click here. You can also call Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.