11:15 p.m., Sept. 6, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update; Hurricane Warning in effect
LĪHUʻE – The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning for Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, as Hurricane Lowell approaches from the southwest.
A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, typically within 36 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. Residents should complete any remaining preparations now and be prepared for deteriorating conditions beginning Monday afternoon or evening and continuing into 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 11 p.m. advisory Sunday, Hurricane Lowell was located approximately 455 miles southwest of Līhuʻe, moving north-northeast at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane.
Lowell is expected to continue moving north-northeast to north at an increasing forward speed through Tuesday. On the current forecast track, the center of Lowell is expected to pass just west of the main Hawaiian Islands on Monday night before turning northwest and slowing down by early Wednesday. Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in Kauaʻi County beginning Monday afternoon or evening, with hurricane conditions possible. Hurricane-force wind gusts are possible, particularly atop and along the windward and leeward sides of hills and mountains. Residents should not assume conditions will be limited to areas near the storm’s center.
Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce an additional 6 to 10 inches of rainfall across Kauaʻi, with maximum totals of up to 14 inches possible. This rainfall may produce significant flash flooding and mudslides, especially across Kauaʻi County. Several tornadoes are also possible near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau Monday afternoon through Monday night.
Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above ground is possible in normally dry coastal areas of Kauaʻi County. The deepest water is expected along the immediate coast near and to the right of the storm’s center, where storm surge may be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Swells from Lowell are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Residents and visitors should stay out of the ocean and away from shorelines, particularly as conditions deteriorate.
Residents are urged to take these conditions seriously and finish preparations now. Once tropical-storm-force winds arrive, travel and outdoor preparations may become dangerous or impossible.
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.
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.
###
|
