12:20 P.M., March 13, County of Kaua‘i, Severe Weather Update
LĪHU‘E – County of Kaua‘i officials are urging the public to continue to be vigilant due to severe weather conditions.
First responders are closely monitoring Wailua River and are on scene, as river levels have risen overnight.
Water levels are also elevated by Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge. Officials are closely monitoring that area and note that this roadway may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.
The County has received reports of price gouging during this incident. Price gouging during a state of emergency is prohibited. Pursuant to Section 127A-30 of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), whenever a state of emergency is declared by the governor or the mayor, it is unlawful for any business to increase the price of any commodity in the area that is subject to the emergency proclamation or severe weather warning.
Price gouging constitutes unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts or practices under state law. Any person, firm, company, association, or corporation violating any of the provisions of Section 480-2, HRS, shall be fined a sum of not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 for each violation.
Members of the public who experience price gouging during a state of emergency may file a complaint with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs here: web2.dcca.hawaii.gov/ocpcomplaint/.
Refuge Areas
No refuge areas are open at this time. However, refuge areas islandwide are on standby, should the need arise.
Facilities Closures
The Hawai'i Department of Education has closed all public and charter schools, as well as DOE offices, today, March 13.
All County offices, facilities, and services except for essential workers are closed today, March 13.
The Kaua'i Bus's 900/950 Express route will not be on March 13. All other bus service is planned to operate, pending inclement weather conditions. However, service disruptions may occur with little to no notice.
The State of Hawai'i has also closed all facilities, services, and State Parks on Kaua'i today, March 13.
Road Closures (NEW UPDATE)
- Single lane closure along portion of Kaumuali'i Highway near the Maluhia Road junction due to a low hanging branch. HDOT crews are mobilizing to the area to address the hazard.
- Ho'one Road and Kuai Road in Poʻipū has been closed due to flooding.
- Kūhiō Highway, near mile marker 1 and Wilcox Medical Center, has been cleared by HDOT crews.
Pe‘e Road at its intersection with Poʻipū Road is open through Monday. The roadway had previously been closed due to construction.
Weather Forecast
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful Kona storm northwest of the Hawaiian Islands is expected to bring a prolonged period of hazardous weather to Kauaʻi through the weekend. Periods of heavy rain may lead to significant flash flooding, particularly as already saturated ground increases runoff even during steady rainfall. Repeated bands of showers and thunderstorms are expected, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe from Friday through Saturday and capable of producing damaging wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph. The strongest winds are expected along north- and east-facing mountain areas and could lead to downed trees, blocked roadways, and power outages. Unsettled wet weather and southwest winds may persist into early next week before conditions gradually improve as the storm system lifts north of the islands.
KIUC
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.
Safety Advisory
The Department of Health Clean Water Branch has issued a Brown Water Advisory for the island of Kaua‘i. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health advises beach users to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.
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.
Important Contacts and Resources
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.
- To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.
- 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 kauai.gov/KEMA and click “WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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