Officials advise avoiding travel; emergency refuge shelters on standby

Published on February 08, 2026

LĪHU‘E – County of Kauaʻi officials are urging the public to stay home, avoid all 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 if needed and as they become available. Please remember that any pets brought to refuge areas must be crated.

Residents are also 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.

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 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. For road status and closures, call 808-241-1725. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711. For weather information, call the National Weather Service automated line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo.

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 KIUC include:

• Use surge protectors to protect your appliances & equipment
• Turn off & unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
• Keep a portable battery-powered radio & flashlights with extra batteries
• Stay away from downed lines & report to 9-1-1
• Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts

The public is advised to postpone outdoor activities that could pose increased risk due to weather conditions. 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; 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.

To stay updated, 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 9-1-1 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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