7 p.m, Aug. 16, County of Kaua‘i, Tropical Storm Lala Update
County of Kaua‘i officials are urging the public to be vigilant due to severe weather conditions as Kauaʻi is expected to experience impacts from Tropical Storm Lala.
The Kaua'i Emergency Management Agency has opened damage reporting portals for the public to submit damage reports related to Tropical Storm Lala. The portal can be found at www.kauai.gov/KEMA.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has signed an emergency proclamation, streamlining the County’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently by expediting necessary processes and reducing administrative barriers, allowing critical resources and services to be deployed without unnecessary delay to help protect lives and property.
Weather Forecast
According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Lala is moving westward away from Kauaʻi, but the island remains under a Tropical Storm Warning as damaging winds and heavy rainfall continue to impact the county. Kauaʻi has received between 10 and 15 inches of rain, with the heaviest showers this afternoon concentrated across much of the island, and additional periods of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms remain possible. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for Kauaʻi due to the continued risk of flooding, particularly as moisture trailing Lala moves across the island. While winds are expected to gradually ease through the evening, residents should remain vigilant as this remains an active severe weather event. As Lala moves farther west, conditions are expected to improve, with moderate to locally breezy trade winds returning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning that will remain in effect until further notice.
The National Weather Service's Flash Flood Warning has been canceled.
The National Weather Service has extended the High Surf Advisory for east-facing shores that will remain in effect through 12 a.m. Monday, August 17.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch that will remain in effect through 6 a.m. Monday, August 17.
The National Weather Service has extended the Flood Advisory. The Flood Advisory will remain in effect through 5:30 p.m. Sunday, August 16.
The State of Hawai'i Department of Health Safe Water Branch has issued a Brown Water Advisory for Kaua'i. DOH advises beach users to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.
Road Closures/Conditions (NEW UPDATE)
- Kūhiō Highway in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge is now passable and has been reopened.
- Kūhiō Highway in the vicinity of the Manoa Stream is closed.
- Kuamoo Road in Wailua Homesteads is now open
- Pu'u Road in the vicinity of Ihu Road is closed due to a downed tree.
- Kolo Road northbound lane is blocked due to a downed tree.
- Lauoho Road has reopened.
Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.
Refuge Areas
The County, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will continue to operate the following refuge areas through tomorrow, August 17, at 6 a.m.:
- Kauaʻi Veterans Center located at 3215 Kapule Highway in Līhuʻe.
The following refuge areas have been closed:
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center located at 4480 Papalina Road in Kalāheo; and
- Kapaʻa Middle School located at 4867 Olohena Road in Kapaʻa.
Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas.
KEMA released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue news releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.
Facilities Closures (NEW UPDATE)
In a coordinated statewide effort, all four County's State and County offices, as well as Department of Education schools, will be closed tomorrow, August 17. Essential staff and field personnel will continue storm recovery efforts.
All County Refuse Transfer Stations and the Kekaha Landfill will remain open tomorrow, August 17, and the residential refuse pickup schedule will remain unchanged.
The Kaua'i Bus will be operating on its regular schedule tomorrow, August 17.
The Kaua'i Department of Water announces a water outage for the Hāʻena-Wainiha service areas. DOW crews will begin repair work once the area becomes accessible.
The Līhuʻe Airport remains open. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information about delays, cancellations, or additional changes.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has closed the Kalalau Trail, the Nāpali Coast State Park, and Polihale State Park. The Hā'ena Shuttle has also been suspended.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife has closed all State Forest Reserves until further notice.
Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) guest passes and recreational areas are closed until further notice.
Do not go hiking or participate in outdoor and ocean recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, and more. 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.
KIUC Updates
Due to extreme weather conditions, outages may occur across Kaua‘i. KIUC crews and contractors are prepared to respond and restore power as safely and quickly as conditions allow. Members should be prepared for the possibility of prolonged outages.
Restoration work can begin only when conditions are safe. High winds, flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines and other hazards may delay access to affected areas. Once conditions improve, crews will assess damage, make repairs and restore service.
Members are asked not to call solely to report outages, as KIUC’s Outage Management System automatically alerts KIUC when power is lost. Outage status can be monitored on KIUC’s outage map. Please report downed power lines, damaged poles, arcing equipment or any information that may help crews identify hazards and restore service.
Never approach a downed power line. Always assume it is energized, keep others away and call
9-1-1 if there is an immediate danger.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative 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
For the latest updates, please view KIUC's Facebook page.
Other important numbers 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.
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA.
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Kaua‘i 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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