9 a.m., Sept. 5, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update
LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is urging residents to finish their storm preparations today, as the National Weather Service says hurricane or tropical storm watches will likely be issued for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau later today.
“Mahalo to our KEMA team, our first responders, field crews, and visitor industry partners for all the work they’re doing to prepare and keep Kauaʻi safe,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “And mahalo to Governor Green and all of the mayors for reaching out and offering assistance. That spirit of partnership means a lot, and we know we’re all in this together. A special mahalo as well to our partners at the National Weather Service, who have kept us informed around the clock.”
Mayor Kawakami has signed an Emergency Proclamation in anticipation of severe weather.
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 Kauaʻi Marathon and Half Marathon and other community events.
Weather Forecast (NEW UPDATE)
According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. advisory Saturday, Hurricane Lowell was centered about 630 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, moving west at 7 mph. It remains a Category 4 hurricane with top sustained winds of 150 mph.
The weather service says watches will likely be required later today for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. A watch means those conditions are possible in the area within about 48 hours. It signals that you should finish your preparations, not that you must evacuate. If evacuations become necessary, County officials will say so directly.
Forecasters expect Lowell to turn toward the northwest tonight, then move faster toward the north and north-northeast on Sunday and Monday. On that track, the center of the storm would pass across portions of Papahānaumokuākea, just west of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, on Monday night.
Lowell is expected to weaken gradually on Sunday and Monday, though forecasters caution it will still be a powerful storm at its closest approach. The storm has also grown larger. Hurricane-strength winds now reach about 60 miles out from the center, and tropical-storm-strength winds reach about 160 miles out.
The National Weather Service expects Lowell to bring 4 to 6 inches of rain to Kauaʻi, with some areas possibly receiving more than 10 inches. Forecasters warn this could produce locally significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially on steep slopes. Heavy rain from the storm’s outer bands is expected to reach the islands beginning Sunday afternoon and continue into early next week.
Waves from Lowell are expected to cause life-threatening surf and strong currents along many Kauaʻi shores over the next several days. Forecasters say confidence is increasing that surf along south- and west-facing shores could become extra large early next week, arriving at the same time as the month’s highest tides. That combination could affect harbor entrances and channels, coastal roads, and shoreline properties.
Hurricane Karina, well east of the islands, is weakening. Swells from Karina continue to bring elevated surf along east-facing shores through Sunday, and its remnants could bring higher seas, stronger winds, and additional rain Monday night into Tuesday.
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.
Forecasts may change, and residents should continue monitoring kauai.gov, the County’s official social media channels, and other official sources for updates.
Refuge Areas (NEW UPDATE)
The County, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has identified the following potential refuge areas ahead of Hurricane Lowell:
- Kīlauea Neighborhood Center located at 2460 Keneke Street in Kīlauea;
- Kapaʻa Middle School located at 4867 Olohena Road in Kapaʻa;
- Kauaʻi High School Gym located at 3577 Lala Road in Līhuʻe;
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center located at 4480 Papalina Road in Kalāheo;
- Waimea Canyon Middle School located at 9555 Huakai Road in Waimea.
These refuge areas are not open at this time. Updates will be provided if and when they are opened.
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)
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 Pacific Missile Range Facility will temporarily close its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites beginning at 12 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Lowell. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.
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 until further notice.
- The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is closed to overnight camping until further notice.
- The Kalalau Trail remains open for day use only today, Sept. 5, as far as Hanakāpīʻai. The Kalalau Trail will close in its entirety beginning tomorrow, Sept. 6, until further notice.
- The Hāʻena Shuttle will continue to operate for day use today, Sept. 5, of the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. The Hāʻena Shuttle will be suspended beginning tomorrow, Sept. 6, until further notice.
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.
Mayor Kawakami has signed an Emergency Proclamation in anticipation of severe weather.
 Officials with Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency and various partners prepare at the Emergency Operations Center as the County of Kauaʻi monitors Hurricane Lowell and prepares for potential impacts to the island.
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