5 AM UPDATE: Department of Education cancels public school classes
Published on April 12, 2024
The Department of Education has canceled public school classes islandwide due to safety concerns and closures of various roadways due to flooding and heavy ponding as a result of the Flash Flood Warning.
Kaua‘i Bus
Kaua‘i Bus service is suspended until roadway conditions are improved.
Shelters
Due to residential flooding in the Kōloa and Wailua areas, the Department of Parks and Recreation has opened shelters at the Kapa‘a and Kōloa neighborhood centers. Volunteers with the American Red Cross at both locations. Officials advise residents to shelter in place unless they need to flee due to flooding.
Weather
A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Kaua‘i through 6 a.m. due to heavy rain producing life-threatening flash flooding. The warning and watch may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop. A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot.
Road closures
Kaua‘i Police Dispatch has reported the following road closures:
- Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge in both directions;
- Southbound lane of Kūhiō Highway near the Wailua Bridge;
- Kaumuali‘i Highway near the vicinity of Lauoho Road and Kuli Road;
- Kaumuali‘i Highway near the Kaumakani and Pākalā areas;
- Kuamo‘o Road near Kūhiō Highway;
- ‘Ohana Street;
- Koki Road;
- Olohena Road near the solar farm;
- Halehaka Road due to a downed tree;
- Wailaau Road;
- Aloha Place;
- Waihohonu Road;
- Waikomo Road;
- Kūhiō Highway near the vicinity Kuene Street due to a small landslide;
- A portion of Pu‘uwai Roa; and
- Kōloa Road near Piko Road due to a small landslide.
Various crews from the Department of Public Works Roads Maintenance Division and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation continue to respond to issues with the County of Kaua‘i roads and the State of Hawai‘i highways.
Please stay tuned to local media for updates on road closures. Ponding, low visibility, and other hazardous driving conditions are expected. If you must drive, please do so with extreme caution.
Rescues
Officials have reported multiple rescues from cars and houses due to flooding. There are no reported injuries at this time. In addition, flooding and heavy ponding have been reported in various locations on the island. The National Weather Services advises against travel unless you flee an area subject to flooding.
For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. If you are in an emergency, call Kaua‘i police 911.
For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.
To sign up for the county's emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), please go to the county’s website, 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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