Kauai Weather

Updated: 7 a.m., Sept. 26

For the past several hours, Category 2 Hurricane Nolo has been churning in the same place, about 145 miles south of South Point on the Big Island — with tropical force winds extending 140 miles from the center.

Nolo, with maximum wind speeds still at 105 mph with higher gusts, is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane later today or tonight and peak in intensity by late Sunday, bringing the Big Island heavy rainfall, gusty winds and large waves, according to the 5 a.m. Saturday advisory of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Kaua‘i is expected to stay out of the path of Nolo, which is forecast to pass well south of the Garden Isle. But Kauaʻi could get some rain from the storm.

Tropical storm conditions and higher gusts from Nolo’s outerbands already are happening in portions of the Big Island, especially in areas of steep terrain.

Hurricane conditions remain possible this morning, especially over complex terrain, with Hurricane force winds extending outward up to 45 miles from Nolo’s center.

A hurricane watch, tropical storm warning, flood watch and high surf advisory for south and east shorelines remain in effect.

Forecasters say Nolo is expected to stay well south of the Hawaiian Islands as it strengthens over the next couple of days. But regardless of the exact track of Nolo, strong and gusty winds are possible for all of the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend.

Nolo is expected to take a westward motion with increasing forward speed later today and into Sunday. That will be followed by a forecast turn toward the northwest and north-northwest on Monday as the storm weakens.

Several miles of Kohala Mountain Road in the northern part of the Big Island, between Waimea and Hāwī, were closed by authorities Friday night because of dangerous driving conditions caused by high winds.

Large swells generated by Nolo — which are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions — also already are affecting exposed east- and south-facing shores of the Big Island.

Wind:

• Tropical storm force winds and gusts already are happening in portions of the Big Island, especially in areas of steep terrain.
• Hurricane conditions also remain possible this morning.
• Tornadoes and waterspouts remain possible near and over the Big Island, primarily to the right of Nolo’s track.

Rainfall:

• For the eastern and southern portions of the Big Island, Nolo will produce additional rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches with isolated totals of 10 inches, bringing storm totals to 10 to 20 inches with maximum amounts of 25 inches.
• This rainfall could produce significant, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
• For the western portions of the island, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected.
• Periods of heavy rain are expected to expand across the Big Island tonight and continue through the weekend.

Storm surge:

• A combination of dangerous storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.
• The water could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground in some areas if peak surge occurs at the same time as high tide.
• The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast and be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.
• Surge-related flooding depends on relative timing of surge and tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

Surf:

• Swells generated by Nolo are affecting exposed east- and south-facing shores of the Big Island and expected to spread westward and build through the weekend.
• These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

More Storm Forecast Information

For more scientific information about the storm forecast, click here. For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, monitor products issued by the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office.

Additional resources

• Disaster preparedness information: American Red Cross.
• Appropriate preparations: Ready.gov.

Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative is closely monitoring the depression which could bring weather impacts, such as high winds, to Kaua‘i as early as this weekend.

Members are encouraged to review their personal emergency preparedness plans and make sure they are ready for the possibility of prolonged power outages.

Preparedness tips include:

• Ensure that KIUC has your current contact information (phone, text and email) by calling us at 808.246.4300.
• Make an emergency plan: where to go, what to do and how to meet up if you are separated from your family. 
• Know evacuation routes and refuge areas. 
• Tie down or put away loose outdoor items to prevent them from becoming flying debris and causing damage. 
• Know where your electrical and gas shutoffs are located. 

Be prepared for prolonged power interruptions:

• Unplug electrical appliances and sensitive electrical equipment. 
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible. Food may stay frozen in the refrigerator’s freezer compartment for 12 to 48 hours, and up to 72 hours in a fully loaded separate freezer
• Ensure you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food and water available.
• If you are dependent on electricity for medical reasons, consider backup power options provided by KIUC. 

Additional preparedness information can be found on the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website, as well as KIUC’s website.