HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.10.19_Weather_UpdateOF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
ma `s MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
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News Release
For Immediate Release: February 10, 2019
KAUA`I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
Tel (808) 241-1800
Fax (808) 241-1860
Fallen trees, downed power lines with no injuries reported as severe weather
warnings continue for Kauai
LIHU`E — County officials are reporting multiple fallen trees, downed power lines and dangerous
surf as the High Wind and High Surf warnings continue for the County of Kauai. There are no
highway closures at this time and no injuries reported.
The Department of Water has issued a Water Conservation Notice for all customers in
Hanalei, Wainiha and Ha`ena due to an electrical power outage affecting the well pumps and
systems in the area. Customers are urged to limit water usage to essential uses only — such as
cooking and bathing — to help avoid a full water outage.
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) is reporting power outages throughout the island due
to fallen trees and downed power lines. Crews are working safely and efficiently to resolve the
issues as soon as possible, but restoration to some areas may take time due to the volume of calls
and the continued high winds.
"We are still experiencing severe weather on our island and we are urging residents and
visitors to stay out of the water and away from our affected north and west -facing shorelines
through today. Caution should be exercised while driving and being outdoors due to the ongoing
threat of dangerous winds" stated Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. "We wish to thank our hard-
working first responders, road crews and electrical crews for your diligence throughout this
storm. Our highest priority is to keep everyone safe."
The High Wind Warning remains in effect with gusts of up to 60 MPH being reported.
Peak winds are expected through Sunday evening. Winds this strong can make driving
hazardous, cause downed trees, power lines and flying debris. Widespread power outages
should be expected.
All north and west -facing beach parks, from Kekaha to Anahola, remain closed until
further notice as the High Surf Warning is in effect. Wave heights of up to 60 feet are being
reported on the North Shore as peak wave heights will continue through today. The public is
advised to stay out of the water and away from shorelines. Entering the water could result in
significant injury or death.
This event may bring unprecedented coastal flooding to north and west -facing shores.
Those in areas prone to coastal flooding or erosion should strongly consider evacuating.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross opened a holding center at the Kilauea Gym as
of 8 p.m. Saturday night. The center had no occupants so far, but will remain open today as
Kauai is currently experiencing the peak of this storm.
The Kekaha Landfill and the Kekaha H15 Redemption Center are also closed. Green
Waste services are closed at the Hanalei, Kapa`a, Lihu`e and Hanapepe transfer stations are
closed today. Scrap metal and tire collections remain closed at the Hanapepe station.
For emergency preparedness tips, please visit the Kauai Emergency Management
Agency website at www.kauai.gov/KEMA.
For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725.
If you have a power emergency, please call 246-4300 and select option 5 to speak with a
representative. You can also check the KIUC website to confirm an outage in your area.
For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-
6001, or visit the NWS website,www.weather.gov/hawaii.
Please DO NOT call Kauai police 911 unless you have an emergency.
k � R
Above photo: Strong winds blew a large tree on a white pickup truck at the Waioli Parking lot along
Hanalei Bay. No injuries were reported.