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10:20 a.m., Sept. 4, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update
LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) continues to urge residents to keep preparing steadily as Hurricane Lowell tracks well south of the Hawaiian Islands and approaches its expected turn to the north this weekend.
“We know that the memory of Hurricane ʻIniki is close to the surface for many of our families right now, so let us stay vigilant and prepare with a steady hand,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We need everyone to be patient, stay safe on our roads, and check on your neighbors. We don’t need any unforeseen tragedies while everyone is preparing. Also, use this time to prepare and talk story with your ʻohana tonight so everyone knows the plan.”
As of 5 a.m. National Weather Service forecast, Lowell was a Category 3 hurricane, but the NWS expects it to build back up over the next few days and still be at or near major hurricane strength when it passes closest to the islands, particularly Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i, on Monday and Monday night.
There are no hurricane or tropical storm watches or warnings in effect at this time. The National Weather Service says watches are likely to be issued for part of the state on Saturday.
KEMA continues to coordinate closely with county, state, and federal partners, as well as with non-governmental organizations and community partners, and will provide updates as conditions warrant. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor official County channels for updates as the forecast develops.
Officials are also in close communication with organizers of The Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon and other community events.
Weather Forecast (NEW UPDATE)
According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. advisory Friday, Hurricane Lowell was centered about 600 miles south of Līhuʻe, moving west at 8 mph. The storm lost some strength overnight as its center reorganized and was a Category 3 hurricane with top sustained winds of 125 mph. Conditions ahead of Lowell are expected to help it build back up over the next two to three days, likely returning it to Category 4 strength before it weakens again early next week.
Forecasters expect Lowell to keep moving west through Saturday while gradually slowing down. On Sunday, they expect the storm to make a sharp turn to the north or north-northeast and pick up speed. That path would carry it close to the westernmost Hawaiian Islands late Monday and Monday night.
Forecast models agree that Lowell will make this turn. They do not agree on how close the center of the storm will come to Kauaʻi County. The National Weather Service describes predicting exactly where and how sharply Lowell turns as the hardest part of this forecast, and confidence in the track beyond this weekend remains low.
The National Weather Service expects Lowell to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to Kauaʻi, with some areas possibly receiving more than 10 inches. Rain of that amount can cause flash flooding and mudslides, especially on steep slopes.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for south- and east-facing shores of Kauaʻi through 6 a.m. Saturday. Waves are expected to reach 8 to 12 feet along south-facing shores, building to 10 to 14 feet by Saturday, and 7 to 10 feet along east-facing shores. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.
Waves generated by Lowell are already arriving and are expected to stay at or above advisory levels through Saturday morning. A large swell from Hurricane Karina is also moving in from the east and will continue through the weekend, and could push surf along east-facing shores to warning levels. The weather service expects ocean conditions to worsen further early next week.
Stay well back from the shoreline, follow all guidance from ocean safety officials, and check with a lifeguard before entering the water. When in doubt, don’t go out.
Ahead of the storm, strong and gusty trade winds are expected to continue through Sunday, with gusts over 50 mph possible in exposed areas, particularly over and downwind of the mountains. Passing showers will mostly affect windward and mauka areas, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.
Refuge Areas
No refuge areas are open at this time. Should conditions change and refuge areas be 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.
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.
Facilities Closures
The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will be closed Sunday, Sept. 6, due to anticipated inclement weather.
Additional County services and facilities may close on little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has implemented the following closures due to incoming inclement weather:
- Polihale State Park is closed to overnight camping and day use beginning today, Sept. 4, until further notice.
- The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is closed to overnight camping beginning today, Sept. 4, until further notice.
- The Kalalau Trail remains open for day use only as far as Hanakāpīʻai. The trail beyond Hanakāpīʻai, including Nuʻalolo Kai and Mililiʻi, is closed beginning today, Sept. 4, until further notice.
- The Hāʻena Shuttle will continue to operate for day use of the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) arrived by helicopter this morning to notify overnight visitors that they must leave the area immediately.
The Līhuʻe Airport remains open. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding delays, cancellations, or other changes.
Monitor weather forecasts and conditions, and do not go hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, or participate in other outdoor and ocean recreation if hazards are forecast or present. Outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.
Pre-Storm Mitigation Work
Department of Public Works crews at the County’s district baseyards have conducted storm preparations, including clearing ditches, cleaning drains, and checking and fueling equipment. Crews have pre-staged equipment in flood-prone areas so they can respond quickly if flooding or other storm impacts occur. County crews have prepared signs, cones, barricades, and electronic message boards for deployment during road closures, traffic control, and public alerts as conditions change.
Preparedness
County officials encourage the public to continue checking and replenishing emergency disaster kits over the next few days. There is no need to purchase everything at once. Emergency disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs. A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate. County, state, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and actively coordinate in preparation for this potential event.
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.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
- Stay away from downed lines and report to 9-1-1
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts
Road Closures/Conditions
There are no road closures at this time. 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.
Other important numbers and resources
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/KEMA
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001
- Kauaʻi 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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