5 p.m. UPDATE: Severe weather continues in Kaua'i County

Published on February 08, 2026

County Offices and Services:

County operations will remain open and continue to provide services, pending severe weather updates.

The Wailua Golf Course will be closed tomorrow, February 9.

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.

Road Closures:

At this time, there are no road closures.

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.

State Offices and Services:

Department of Education schools and State of Hawaiʻi offices will be closed tomorrow, February 9, due to inclement weather. The Department of Land & Natural Resources has also closed all State of Hawai'i parks and recreation areas until further notice.

Refuge Areas:

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.

National Weather Service Updates:

County of Kauaʻi officials are urging the public to stay home, avoid all unnecessary travel, and prioritize safety as severe weather continues today and into next week, with the most dangerous period for strong winds and potential flash flooding expected from midnight tonight through 6 a.m. tomorrow. 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. A statewide Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday.

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.

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 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; 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 – kauai.gov/kema.
• National Weather Service – 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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