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Below is the current status on the severe weather as of 9 a.m., February 9.
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 today, February 9.
Due to high winds, the Līhu‘e Refuse Transfer Station will not be accepting loose refuse today, February 9. The facility is anticipated to resume all services tomorrow, February 10.
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 today, February 9, due to inclement weather.
The Department of Land & Natural Resources has closed all State of Hawai'i parks and recreation areas until further notice.
The Hawai'i Department of Health Clean Water Branch has issued a Statewide Brown Water Advisory, advising beach users to stay out of waters when they appear to be brown and murky, especially following the heavy rainfall. DOH recommends to stay out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped.
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:
According to the National Weather Service, wet and windy conditions will continue today, with the greatest impacts focused along windward and mauka areas where strong trade winds are pushing moisture into the terrain. While rainfall has generally been lighter than on islands to the east, periods of heavy showers remain possible, increasing the risk for localized flooding, rapid runoff, and stream rises, and a Flood Watch remains in effect through this evening. Breezy to windy conditions will persist, with gusts that may reach 40 to 50 mph in exposed areas, downwind of higher terrain, and through valleys, prompting a High Wind Warning through 6 p.m. today, February 9. Conditions are expected to gradually improve later this afternoon and tonight as winds ease and rainfall diminishes, though it will remain breezy. Breezy trade wind weather is expected to return Tuesday through the end of the week, with showers favoring windward and mountain areas.
This will be the final news release on this severe weather.
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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