Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR091218KEMA04, BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR. Mayor Managing Director COUNTY OF KAUA'I KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY News Release For Immediate Release: September 12, 2018 ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR Tel (808) 241-1800 Fax (808) 241-1860 6 p.m. Sept. 12, Update: Wind Advisory and Flash Flood Watch remain in effect LIHU`E — As a Wind Advisory and Flash Flood Watch remain in effect for Kaua'i County, officials are reminding residents to stay informed and remain vigilant. WEATHER UPDATE The latest advisory from the National Weather Service (NWS) anticipates that Kauai County could feel the effects of the storm with heavy rainfall tonight through Friday. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through late Thursday. 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. A Wind Advisory remains in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday. A Wind Advisory means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph, or gusts of at least 50 mph, are expected. Motorists should use extra caution. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday for all east -facing shores of Kauai. The warning may be extended or modified as conditions develop. Beachgoers are urged to heed all posted warnings and advisories. Spectators are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline. 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 tomorrow, Sept. 13. 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 schedule until further notice. 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. 12. HARBORS Commercial harbors at Nawiliwili and Port Allen have reopened as of 9 a.m. today, Sept. 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.traveismarthawaii.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.