HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR021019PublicadvisedtoremainvigilantassevereweatherwarningscontinuethroughthenightF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 10, 2019
KAUA`I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
Tel (808) 241-1800
Fax (808) 241-1860
Public advised to remain vigilant as severe weather warnings continue
throughout the night
LIHUE — Officials continue to address multiple fallen trees and downed utility lines
across the island Sunday as the High Wind and High Surf warnings remain in effect for the
County of Kauai until Monday morning.
"While the worst of the storm may seem to be behind us, dangerous conditions are still
expected to continue throughout the night," stated Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. "We urge
everyone to remain vigilant and to stay off the roadways if at all possible. Again, we extend our
gratitude to those having to work in the hazardous wind and rain in order to protect the health
and safety of us all."
No damages from coastal inundation have been reported at this time. However, those in
areas prone to coastal flooding or erosion are still advised to remain vigilant and to have a plan
in place should the need to evacuate arise.
The American Red Cross holding center at the Kilauea Gym reported no occupants
since its opening Saturday night. Therefore, the holding center will now be on standby should
the need to open become necessary.
There are no highway closures at this time, however, multiple roads are reportedly
closed due to fallen trees. Current road closures include portions of Menehune and Koke`e
roads in Waimea, and Olohena road in Kapa`a. Crews are working as quickly as possible to
clear all affected roadways.
The state Department of Education has announced that all public schools are scheduled
to be open on Monday. An announcement will be made should this notice change.
The Department of Water has issued a Water Conservation Notice for all customers
islandwide, until further notice, due to multiple electrical power outages affecting well sites and
system functions. 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) continues to report 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.
Solid Waste officials announced that the Lihu`e Transfer Station will be open on a
modified schedule from noon to 3:15 p.m. on Monday. All other transfer stations will be open as
normal from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., weather permitting. The Kekaha Landfill and Kekaha H15
Redemption Center remain closed until further notice, and conditions will be re-evaluated
Monday morning.
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 were reported
today on the North Shore. The public is advised to stay out of the water and away from
shorelines. Entering the water could result in significant injury or death.
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.
Above photo: Fallen tree on Menehune Road, in Waimea.