5:40 p.m., Oct. 31, County of Kauaʻi, Flash Flood Warning Update
LĪHUʻE – County of Kauaʻi officials are urging the public to continue to be vigilant due to severe weather conditions.
Weather
The National Weather Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for Kauaʻi until 8:45 p.m. tonight, Saturday, Oct. 31. Heavy rain is falling over the island, and rivers have been rising quickly, including the Hanalei River and the Wailua River. The warning may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.
A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads, and low-lying areas. Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot.
Road Closures (NEW UPDATE)
Due to flooding, Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge remains closed until further notice.
A portion of Kaumualiʻi Highway near the Halfway Bridge in the Knudsen Gap area is open to alternating traffic only due to flooding. Kauaʻi Police Department officers are on scene alternating traffic.
Ponding, low visibility, and other hazardous driving conditions have been reported throughout the island. If you must drive, please do so with extreme caution.
Refuge Areas
A community-led refuge area at Hale Halawai in Hanalei remains open.
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.”
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 and located outside flood-prone areas. For those who do need to go, please travel now while conditions are still safe.
Other refuge areas islandwide are on standby, should the need arise. KEMA’s Potential Refuge Area List, available online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA, identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency.
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.
Important Contacts and Resources
For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. Please do not call Kauaʻi police 911 unless you have an emergency.
For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.
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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