Tornado Watch issued for Kauaʻi County

Published on September 07, 2026

LĪHUʻE – The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Kauaʻi County, in effect through Tuesday morning. The watch was issued today and may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.

A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes in and near the watch area. It does not mean a tornado has been sighted.

Residents should stay indoors, remain alert for threatening weather, and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Keep a phone charged and a battery-powered radio nearby.

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, take cover immediately. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you are outdoors or in a vehicle, move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

This watch is in addition to the Hurricane Warning, Flood Warning, and High Surf Warning already in effect for Kauaʻi.

For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit www.weather.gov/hawaii.

Other important numbers and resources

To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:

• Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
• National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
• Kauaʻi Department of Water – 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org
• Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725

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. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

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