8:10 a.m., Sept. 7, County of Kauaʻi, Hurricane Lowell Update; Hurricane Warning in effect
LĪHUʻE – A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. Hurricane conditions are expected to begin today and continue into this evening and into Tuesday.
“Over the past 24 hours we have watched this system veer closer to us, too close for comfort,” said Mayor Kawakami. “I hope you have spent these last few days preparing for the worst. If you are still making last-minute preparations, finish them this morning. Be off our roadways and indoors by midday.”
“If you are in a coastal or unsafe area, make arrangements now to stay with family or friends,” added Mayor Kawakami. “As a last resort, grab your go-kit and head to a refuge area. “Now is the time to shelter in place. Check in with your friends and neighbors, then hunker down until conditions let up on Tuesday.”
“Please do not call 9-1-1 for weather updates or road conditions,” said Mayor Kawami. “Keep those lines open for people whose lives are in danger. Sign up for Everbridge, tune in to local radio, and we will get you the information you need.”
Weather Forecast (NEW UPDATE)
As of the National Weather Service’s 5 a.m. advisory Monday, Hurricane Lowell was located about 375 miles southwest of Līhuʻe, moving north-northeast at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane. The storm has picked up considerable forward speed overnight.
On the current forecast track, the core of Lowell will pass just west of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau tonight. Hurricane conditions are expected in Kauaʻi County beginning this afternoon or evening. Wind speeds atop and along the windward and leeward sides of hills and mountains are often up to 30 percent stronger than winds near the surface.
Lowell is expected to produce an additional 6 to 10 inches of rain across Kauaʻi, with maximum totals of up to 14 inches possible. This rainfall may produce significant flash flooding and mudslides. Several tornadoes are also possible near Kauaʻi and Niʻihau this afternoon through tonight.
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, where surge may be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
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 this morning will build rapidly to 20 to 30 feet this afternoon and evening. Forecasters rate the expected impacts as extreme: ocean water surging and sweeping over beaches, coastal benches, and roadways, with significant damage possible to coastal properties, infrastructure, docks, piers, and ramps. Coastal evacuations and road closures are possible. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores.
Stay out of the ocean and away from all shorelines. Do not go to the coast to watch the surf.
Department of Water
The Kauaʻi Department of Water (DOW) advises customers to take the following steps before conditions deteriorate:
- Store drinking water now. Fill clean containers and plan on at least one gallon per person per day.
- Fill bathtubs and buckets for non-drinking uses such as flushing toilets and cleaning.
- Power outages can affect pumps and wells. Water service may be interrupted or pressure may drop, even if your home is not damaged.
- Use water sparingly during the storm and any outage that follows.
- Do not use water you suspect has been contaminated by flooding.
- Report outages, low pressure, or water main breaks to DOW at 808-245-5400.
- Updates will be posted at kauaiwater.org and on DOW’s social media channels.
Facilities Closures (NEW UPDATE)
- All County parks, campgrounds, and the Wailua Golf Course are closed until further notice.
- All Department of Land and Natural Resources state parks and state forest reserves are closed until further notice.
- The Kauaʻi Bus is not operating on its regular schedule today. Buses are supporting transportation to refuge areas.
- The Pacific Missile Range Facility has closed its recreational guest pass program and recreational sites until further notice.
- County offices are closed today for the Labor Day holiday.
- Residential refuse pickup will continue as regularly scheduled. Residents should put their bins out for collection.
Additional County services and facilities may close with little or no notice.
Refuge Areas
The County, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has opened the following potential refuge areas:
- 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. Should additional 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.
Road Closures/Conditions
Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may close with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Do not drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Utilities and other services may be disrupted.
Power outage tips from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative:
- 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 them to 9-1-1
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts
- Outage Center and FAQs: https://kiuc.coop/outage-center
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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