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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR09.11.18_11PM_OliviaUpdate04, BERNARDP. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR. Mayor Managing Director COUNTY OF KAUA'I KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY News Release For Immediate Release: September 11, 2018 ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR Tel (808) 241-1800 Fax (808) 241-1860 11 p.m., Sept. 11, Update: NWS discontinues Tropical Storm Warning for Kauai and Niihau; Wind Advisory and Flash Flood Watch remain in effect LIHU`E — The National Weather Service has discontinued the Tropical Storm Warning for Kauai County, however, officials are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant as a Wind Advisory and Flash Flood Watch remain in effect. "Despite the Tropical Storm Warning being discontinued, we still anticipate that Olivia will bring strong winds and heavy rains with the potential for life -threatening flash flooding," stated Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. "Residents and visitors should continue to monitor local media for updates on hazardous conditions, as well as road, school or other closures as a result of severe weather." WEATHER UPDATE A Flash Flood Watch and Wind Advisory remain in effect for Kauai County. The latest advisory from the National Weather Service (NWS) anticipates that Kaua'i County could feel effects of the storm by Wednesday, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated on Thursday through Friday. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that leads to flash flooding. Residents and visitors should monitor the weather and be prepared to take action in the event that a Flash Flood Warning is issued. SHELTERS There are currently no shelters being opened at this time. However, American Red Cross volunteers are on standby and are ready to open shelters on an as -needed basis. SCHOOLS All schools are currently scheduled to be open on Wednesday, Sept. 12. However, state officials will reassess after the 5 a.m. National Weather Service update on Wednesday morning. An announcement will be made should this information change. Visit the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) website, http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org, and social media, https://www.facebook.com/HiDOE808 and https://twitter.com/HiDOE808, for the latest information on school closures. Parents should make sure that their contact information on file with their child's school is up-to-date, and that they understand the school's closure notification procedure. KOHIO HIGHWAY CONVOY IN WAINIHA The state Department of Transportation has announced that the convoy on Kuhio Highway, for limited local access to the Wainiha-H5'ena area, will run on a normal weekday schedule on Wednesday, Sept. 12, weather permitting. A list of the convoy schedule can be found on the county's "Flood Recovery" page at www. kauai.gov. PARK CLOSURES - H5'ena State Park remains closed due to the April flood. - Napali Coast State Wilderness Park remains closed due to the April flood. - Black Pot Beach Park remains closed due to the April flood. - The county has suspended issuing camping permits until further notice. HARBORS All commercial harbors across the state are closed, including Nawiliwili Harbor and Port Allen on Kauai. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A WEATHER EMERGENCY • Emergency Preparedness Kits — Emergency preparedness kits should contain at least a 14-day supply of food and water (to include non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day). Kits should also include a battery powered radio, flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines and other items specific to individual and family needs. Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster. • Check Your Property — Walk your property, checking for small outdoor items that could be picked up by high winds, and check for potential flood threats. If time and conditions permit, clear your gutters and other drainage systems. • Make an Action Plan — Discuss with family members what you plan to do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Make an action plan, which should include details such as whether your family will shelter in place or evacuate to a shelter. Please see "Shelter" section above for more information. • Visitor Information — Visitors are urged to confirm flight arrangements with their airlines prior to heading to the airport. Visitors should review the Hawaii Tourism Authority's travel safety tips at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com. A copy of their brochure can also be downloaded from the site. • Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative — KIUC members should prepare for potential storm impacts and possible power outages. For more information on preparing for a power outage, visit http://website.kiuc.coop/. • Kaua`i Department of Water — DOW officials advise that during a weather emergency, strong winds and/or flooding can disrupt electrical power to DOW pumps and equipment, road -access to water sources, and may impact water quality. For more information on preparedness tips for a water emergency, please visit www.kauaiwater.org. • Stay Tuned — Continue to stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. The following provides a list of important resources on emergency preparedness. o Kaua`i Emergency Management Agency — www.kauai.gov/kema o NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center — http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc/ o National Weather Service — www.weather.gov/hawaii, or automated weather line at 245-6001. o Blackboard Connect (The county's free emergency notification service) — Sign up at www.kauai.gov/kema, or call the KEMA at 241-1800.