4:55 a.m., Sept. 6, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update; Tropical Storm Warning in effect
LĪHUʻE – The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the southwest.
A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions are occurring or expected within the warning area, generally within the next 36 hours. Residents should complete any remaining preparations now and be prepared for deteriorating conditions beginning Sunday evening and continuing into early next week.
The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is urging residents to stay home and off the roads as conditions worsen. Secure loose items around your property, fill your gas tank, charge your devices, refill prescriptions, and make sure your household has sufficient water, food and emergency supplies. Residents should also check on family members, neighbors and kūpuna who may need additional assistance.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has signed an Emergency Proclamation in anticipation of severe weather associated with Hurricane Lowell.
KEMA continues to coordinate closely with county, state and federal partners, as well as non-governmental organizations and community partners. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor official County channels and follow guidance from emergency officials as conditions develop.
Weather Forecast
As of the National Weather Service's 8 p.m. Saturday advisory, Hurricane Lowell was located approximately 620 miles southwest of Kauaʻi, moving northwest at about 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, making it a Category 4 hurricane.
Lowell is expected to turn north Sunday, followed by a north-northeastward turn and an increase in forward speed Sunday night and Monday. The center of Lowell is forecast to pass west of Kauaʻi's coastal waters Monday night as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.
Although the center of Lowell is expected to remain west of Kauaʻi, significant impacts are possible. Tropical storm conditions are possible in Kauaʻi County by late Monday or Monday night, with the greatest impacts expected from heavy rainfall, strong winds, high surf and coastal flooding.
The greatest risk for flooding is expected from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning and could linger into Wednesday. Hurricane Lowell is forecast to produce 4 to 8 inches of rain on Kauaʻi, with maximum totals exceeding 12 inches possible. Heavy rainfall could cause significant flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep and mountainous areas.
Winds are expected to increase and shift from the east to the east-southeast Sunday evening into Monday morning, with Kauaʻi County expected to experience the strongest winds. Short-lived, fast-moving waterspouts may also develop near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau within squally rainbands. Any waterspouts that move ashore could produce damaging, tornado-like winds.
Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible in Kauaʻi County, with the greatest coastal impacts occurring near and to the right of the storm's center. Storm surge, combined with high tides and large waves, could cause coastal flooding and affect normally dry areas near the shoreline, including coastal roads, harbor entrances and channels, and shoreline properties.
Swells generated by Lowell are expected to produce life-threatening surf and strong rip currents across Kauaʻi and other Hawaiian islands. Residents and visitors should stay away from shorelines, beaches, rocky areas and coastal waters during hazardous conditions.
Forecast conditions may change, and any deviation in Lowell's track or intensity could alter the timing and severity of impacts to Kauaʻi. Residents should continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and official County of Kauaʻi channels.
Refuge Areas
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
The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will be closed today, 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 until further notice, including all of the Kalalau Trail, until further notice.
- The Hāʻena Shuttle is suspended until further notice.
The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) arrived by helicopter yesterday, Sept. 6, morning to notify overnight visitors that they must leave the area immediately.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife has closed all State Forest Reserves until further notice.
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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