Officials urging residents to be vigilant for potential severe weather

Published on May 08, 2024

LĪHU‘E – County of Kaua‘i officials are urging the public to be vigilant due to potential severe weather conditions starting Friday and continuing through Saturday.

“Given the impacts from our flood event in April, we are advising the community to prepare for potential severe weather later this week and into the weekend, as forecasted by the National Weather Service,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “During April’s flood event, multiple people had to be rescued in flood-prone areas like roadways, rivers/streams, and low-lying areas.”

County, state, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and are actively coordinating in preparation for this potential 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, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo.

According to forecasts by the National Weather Service (NWS), the State of Hawai‘i may experience severe thunderstorms, and there is a possibility of flooding. An exceptionally powerful upper-level disturbance is anticipated to arrive at the islands on Friday and Saturday, which may result in very active weather in some parts of Hawai‘i. According to the latest guidance from the NWS, there is a chance of severe thunderstorms, which could lead to damaging winds and large hail. Additionally, there may be intense rainfall in some areas, which could result in flash flooding.

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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