4:55 p.m., Sept. 6, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update; Hurricane Watch in effect
LĪHUʻE – The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Watch for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the southwest.
A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. Residents should complete any remaining preparations now and be prepared for deteriorating conditions beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Tuesday
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 (NEW UPDATE)
As of the National Weather Service’s 2 p.m. advisory Sunday, Hurricane Lowell was located about 535 miles south-southwest of Līhuʻe, moving due north at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
Lowell is expected to speed up as it turns north-northeast, carrying its center just west of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau on Monday night. Significant impacts are expected even with the center passing to our west. Sustained winds could reach 35 to more than 55 mph with higher gusts. A Flood Watch is in effect from noon today through Tuesday afternoon, with rain totals topping 14 inches in high elevations. Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above ground is possible in surge-prone coastal areas.
A High Surf Warning is in effect for south-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Surf of 7 to 10 feet through Monday morning will build rapidly to 20 to 30 feet Monday afternoon and evening. Forecasters warn of extreme impacts: ocean water surging and sweeping over beaches, coastal benches, and roadways, with the potential for significant damage to coastal properties and infrastructure. Coastal evacuations and road closures are possible, and large breaking waves may damage docks, piers, and ramps. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores through Monday night.
Refuge Areas (NEW UPDATE)
The County, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will open the potential refuge areas at 5 p.m., 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.
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 Kaua'i Bus will not operate on its regular schedule on Monday, Sept. 7, as they will be supporting transportation needs to shelters.
Residential refuse pickup will continue as regularly scheduled. Residents should put their bins out for collection.
All County parks and campgrounds and the Wailua Golf Course are closed until further notice.
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 has temporarily closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
All Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) state parks and state forest reserves are closed until further notice.
The Līhuʻe Airport remains open. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding delays, cancellations, or other changes.
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.
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 Derek S.K. Kawakami addresses all partners in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday, September 6.
 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday, September 6.
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