UPDATE: County services to continue Monday pending weather updates

5:20 p.m. Feb. 8 update: As severe weather continues, Kauaiʻi County operations are set to remain open and continue services.

Residents are advised that refuse transfer stations and the Kekaha Landfill may close with little or no advance notice due to weather-related safety concerns for both employees and customers. The public is encouraged to postpone non-essential disposal trips and check for updates before visiting these facilities.

The Wailua Golf Course will be closed Monday, Feb. 9.

At this time, there are no road closures, however, officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.

Department of Education schools and State of Hawaiʻi offices will be closed Monday due to inclement weather. The Department of Land and Natural Resources has also closed all State of Hawai’i parks and recreation areas until further notice.

Emergency refuge areas are on standby should they be needed. However, these locations are not open at this time. Locations will be announced if needed and as they become available. Any pets brought to refuge areas must be crated.

County of Kauaʻi officials are still urging the public to stay home, avoid all unnecessary travel, and prioritize safety as severe weather continues today and into next week.

According to the National Weather Service, the most dangerous period for strong winds and potential flash flooding is expected from midnight tonight through 6 a.m. tomorrow. A statewide flood watch remains in effect through Monday.

Strong to damaging trade winds, with gusts up to 60 mph in exposed, leeward, and downslope areas, combined with heavy rain and possible thunderstorms, may bring down trees and power lines and increase the risk of hazardous travel, localized flooding, rapid runoff, and rising streams, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Original post: County of Kauaʻi officials are urging the public to stay home, avoid unnecessary travel, and prioritize safety as severe weather conditions continue today and into next week.

Emergency refuge areas are on standby should they be needed; however, these locations are not open at this time. Locations will be announced as needed and become available. Any pets brought to refuge areas must be crated.

Residents are advised that refuse transfer stations and the Kekaha Landfill may close with little or no advance notice due to weather-related safety concerns for both employees and customers. The public is encouraged to postpone nonessential disposal trips and check for updates before visiting these facilities.

Due to the potential for dangerous road conditions, flooding, and strong winds, residents are strongly encouraged to stay off roadways whenever possible and avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The National Weather Service forecasts a period of unsettled and potentially hazardous weather impacting Kauaʻi through Monday.

Strong to damaging trade winds are increasing today, with gusts that could reach up to 60 mph, especially along exposed areas and leeward and downslope regions. These winds may bring down trees and power lines and create hazardous travel conditions.

Periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms remain possible, particularly along north- and east-facing slopes, where strong winds are pushing moisture into the terrain. This increases the risk for localized flooding, rapid runoff, and stream rises, especially in flood-prone areas. A flood watch remains in effect statewide through Monday.

The combination of strong winds and unstable weather may also lead to sudden stronger gusts during heavier showers or thunderstorms. Conditions are expected to gradually improve starting Tuesday as the storm system moves away from the islands.

While showers will decrease and flooding risks diminish, breezy to locally windy trade winds are expected to continue through much of the week.

Officials remind the public to use 911 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 911 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response.

For road status and closures, call 808-241-1725. To report nonemergency road hazards, contact Kauaʻi Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711. For weather information, call the National Weather Service automated line at 808-245-6001 or visit the website.

Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a flash flood warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.

Standard tips to prepare for power outages from the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) include:

• Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment.
• Turn off and unplug unnecessary appliances or equipment.
• Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
• Stay away from downed lines and report them to 911.
• Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.

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 may quickly become hazardous.

During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, speak to a county lifeguard or visit the Ocean Safety Bureau website.

To sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, the Wireless Emergency Notification System, visit the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency website.