HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR020819KEMAF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
T MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 8, 2019
KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
Tel (808) 241-1800
Fax (808) 241-1860
County of Kauai officials urging residents to be vigilant as potential for high
winds, unprecedented coastal flooding may occur this weekend
LIHUE — County of Kaua'i officials this afternoon are urging residents to be vigilant due
to the potential for strong winds and unprecedented coastal flooding over the weekend.
"We urge the public to secure any loose materials or objects around your home," said
Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. "Those in areas prone to coastal flooding along the north- and
west -facing shores should closely monitor conditions and be prepared to evacuate if needed."
As a safety precaution, the County of Kauai will be closing all north- and west -facing
beach parks from Kekaha to Anahola, effective 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9., until further notice. As
a reminder, Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, H5'ena State Park, and state and county parks
in the H5'ena and Wainiha areas remain closed.
The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement stating that an
unusually strong storm system will move toward the islands from the north, and the combination
of strong onshore winds and high surf may lead to property and road damages, as well as
beach erosion.
A High Wind Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday, and a High Wind Watch will take
effect from Saturday evening through Sunday evening, according to the National Weather
Service. A High Wind Watch means there is the potential for a hazardous high wind event.
Sustained winds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or stronger may occur. A Wind Advisory
means that sustained winds of at least 30 mph, or gusts of at least 50 mph, are expected.`
A High Surf Warning for north- and west -facing shores of Kauai and Niihau remains in
effect through Monday morning. Entering the water in these areas during the High Surf Warning
is very hazardous and could cause serious injury or death.
County, state, and federal officials are monitoring the situation and are actively
coordinating in preparation.
For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 241-1725. Please do not call
Kauai police 911 unless you have an emergency.
For weather updates call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 245-
6001, or visit the NWS webs ite,www.weather.gov/hawaii.
To sign up for Blackboard Connect, the county's emergency notification service, please
go to the county's webs ite,www. kauai.gov, or call the Kauai Emergency Management Agency
at 241-1800.