Emergency officials continue to monitor Hurricane Hone, advise vigilance and preparation
LĪHU‘E —Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) officials are monitoring Hurricane Hone, Hurricane Gilma, and other activity in the Pacific and continue to advise the public to be vigilant and prepare for potential severe weather.
“Emergency personnel and our partners continue to monitor storm activity and strongly advise vigilance,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “Although Kaua‘i is not in any weather warnings at this time, we are experiencing the effects of Hurricane Hone with some wind, rain and elevated surf.”
NWS Forecast
Officials with the National Weather Service are forecasting that Hurricane Hone will pass south of the Hawaiian islands and continue to move west Sunday into Monday, bringing wind and rain to Kaua‘i. Hurricane Hone is currently affecting Hawai‘i Island with heavy winds and flash flooding.
Wind Advisory
Kaua‘i remains under a Wind Advisory through 6 a.m. on Aug. 26.
Northeast winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour with localized gusts over 50 miles per hour are expected.
Impacts from strong wind include tearing off of shingles, flying debris such as tree branches and other loose objects, and difficulty steering for motorists with high-profile vehicles. Power outages may be expected.
Surf Advisory
A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for the eastern shores of Kaua‘i through 6 p.m. Sunday. Surf 7 to 10 feet is forecasted through tonight.
Possible power outages
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and emergency officials are closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Hone and its potential impact to the island over the weekend.
Due to current forecasted wind and wind gust speeds, it is possible that KIUC will place circuits west of Halfway Bridge into sensitive settings, which could lead to greater than normal outage activity. KIUC may also choose to de-energize certain circuits based on changing weather conditions. These actions would be taken to prevent wildfire ignition and could occur without prior notice.
Members are encouraged to review their home and business emergency preparedness plans, and act accordingly in preparation for extended outages.
For more information, please click on this link: https://www.kiuc.coop/kiuc-member-weather-alert-2.
NO BURN NOTICE
Although the Red Flag Warning was canceled, the Hawai‘i Department of Health has declared a “NO BURN” period for Kaua‘i County through 9 a.m., Monday, August 26.
This declaration prohibits any open burning, including all permitted agricultural burning.
If you have any questions, please call: Clean Air Branch – Kaua‘i at 808-241-3325 or Clean Air Branch – Oahu at (808) 586-4200.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) continuously monitors weather conditions, employing a network of satellites, land- and ocean-based sensors, and aircraft reconnaissance missions operated by NOAA and its partners. Complex computer modeling and human expertise are the basis for the hurricane center’s track and intensity forecasts that extend out five days.
The CPHC issues a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch when hurricane or tropical storm-force winds are possible within 48 hours.
A Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued when hurricane or tropical storm-force winds are expected within 36 hours.
When either a Watch or a Warning is issued, residents and visitors should listen to their local radio or TV stations and monitor local web/internet media and websites for official weather information and instructions from emergency management entities.
Officials note that potential threats may affect areas historically prone to flooding, flash flooding, and even coastal storm surges. Severe weather may disrupt utilities and other services.
Officials recommend the following actions when preparing for a weather emergency:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – Please visit www.kiuc.coop to learn more about how to prepare for a power outage.
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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.
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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 kauaiwater.org.
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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 – 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 911 unless it is an emergency.
- To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the county’s emergency notification service, please visit kauai.gov/KEMA and click “WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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