12 PM, Jan. 30, County of Kaua‘i, UPDATE

Published on January 30, 2025

LĪHU‘E – County of Kaua‘i officials continue to urge the public to be vigilant due to ongoing severe weather conditions.

A High Wind Warning for the County of Kaua‘i remains in effect through noon, Jan. 31.

A High Wind Warning means winds are expected to be at least 40 mph, with gusts over 60 mph. Stay away from downed power lines.

According to the NWS, strong winds may cause property damage. Hazardous driving conditions due to powerful cross winds will pose a serious risk for drivers, especially for lightweight and high-profile vehicles. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly. Motorists, especially those in high-profile vehicles, are urged to drive with extreme caution.

A Flood Watch also remains in effect through Friday afternoon.

A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for flash flooding.

Given the nature of heavy rain events on Kaua‘i, emergency officials strongly advise the public to avoid outdoor activities in flood-prone areas like roadways, hiking trails, rivers/streams, and low-lying areas.

County of Kaua‘i facility closures:

• The Wailua Golf Course is closed for the remainder of the day due to the inclement weather.  Staff will reassess the course conditions and weather tomorrow morning. 
• The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center, operated by Kaua‘i Community Recycling Services (KCRS), is closed for the remainder of the day.

  
  County response:

• Department of Public Works crews continue to respond to various debris on roadways and county facilities.
  

  Department of Water conservation notice:

• The Department of Water (DOW) has issued an immediate water conservation request for Hanalei, Wainiha, and Hā‘ena until further notice due to an electrical power outage. Customers are advised to limit water use to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes, to avoid a full water service outage.

  
  Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative:

• Weather conditions are causing outages throughout the island. KIUC personnel will attempt to restore power as they are safely able to do so in these conditions.  Members should be prepared for extended outages and can refer to KIUC’s outage map for current information:  KIUC Outage Map. Tips for preparing for outages can be found here: Storm Sense | Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.

County, state, federal officials, and other partners continue to monitor the situation and are actively coordinating during this weather event.  

Officials advise the public not to call Kaua‘i Police Dispatch for weather-related or road conditions, as these calls significantly interfere with regular work. For road and closure conditions, call 808-241-1725. For weather questions, contact the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo.

Officials note that Kūhiō Highway, near the Hanalei Bridge, may need to be closed with short to no-advanced notice, mainly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued, and that utilities and other services may be disrupted.

Officials recommend the following actions when preparing for a weather emergency:

• Emergency Preparedness Kits – Emergency preparedness kits should contain at least a 14-day supply of food and water (including non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day). Kits should also include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra prescription medicines, and other items specific to individual and family needs. It is also recommended that face coverings and hand sanitizer also be included in your kits. Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.
• Check Your Property – Walk your property, check for small outdoor items that could be picked up by high winds, and check for potential flood threats. If time and conditions permit, clear your gutters and other drainage systems.
• Make an Action Plan – Discuss with family members what you plan to do if severe weather threatens. Make an action plan, including details such as whether your family will shelter in place or evacuate to a shelter. There are no plans to open shelters at this time; however, the county will work with the American Red Cross to open shelters on an as-needed basis and announce a list of open shelters if or when they become available.
• Outdoor activities – Visitors and residents are urged to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go. For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
• Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – Please visit www.kiuc.coop  to learn more about how to prepare for a power outage.
• Kekaha landfill and refuse transfer stations – The Kekaha Landfill and County refuse transfer stations may close due to severe and inclement weather. For more information, visit kauai.gov/TransferStations or call 808-241-4841.
• Kaua‘i Department of Water – Severe weather storms can cause damage to water systems, disrupt electrical power to DOW pumps and equipment, block road access to water sources, and may impact water quality. Customers should prepare for emergency water service disruptions by having the recommended water storage supply readily available for essential uses.  For more water emergency preparedness tips, please visit www.kauaiwater.org.
• Stay Tuned – Continue to stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. The following provides a list of important resources on emergency preparedness.
  • Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – www.kauai.gov/kema
  • National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
  • Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
  • Do not call Kaua‘i Police 911 unless it is an emergency.
• To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the county’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

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