HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230216KEMA.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 16, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ELTON USHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
(808) 241-1800
County of Kaua‘i officials urging residents to be vigilant as potential severe weather
conditions may occur through the weekend
LĪHU‘E – County of Kaua‘i officials are urging the public to be vigilant due to potential severe
weather conditions starting Thursday and through the weekend, possibly extending well into next week.
“In the event of a Flash Flood Warning, heavy rain, and other inclement weather, officials advise
caution and avoiding all non-essential travel, especially to or through areas prone to flooding or flash
flooding, such as roadways, rivers/streams and low-lying areas,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management
Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “Kūhiō Highway, in the vicinity of the Hanalei Bridge, may need to be
closed with short to no-advanced notice.”
The National Weather Service has announced heavy rain and flash flooding are possible from
Thursday into the weekend.
The island of Kaua‘i and the state of Hawai‘i remain under a Flash Flood Watch through
Saturday. A Flood Watch means that conditions are favorable for 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.
County, state, and federal officials are monitoring the situation and are actively coordinating in
preparation.
Officials recommend the following actions when preparing 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. It is also
recommended that face coverings and hand sanitizer also be included in your kits. 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. There are no plans to open shelters
at this time; however, the county will work with the American Red Cross to open shelters on
an as-needed basis and will announce a list of open shelters if or when they become
available.
• Outdoor activities – Visitors and residents are urged to check conditions before venturing
out for any hiking, river or beach excursions. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and
always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know
before you go. For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety,
please speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean
Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
• Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – Please visit http://website.kiuc.coop/ to learn more
about how to prepare for a power outage.
• Kekaha landfill and refuse transfer stations – The Kekaha Landfill and County refuse
transfer stations may close due to severe and inclement weather. For more information,
visit kauai.gov/TransferStations or call 808-241-4841.
• Kaua‘i Department of Water – Severe weather storms can cause damage to water systems,
disrupt electrical power to DOW pumps and equipment, block road access to water sources,
and may impact water quality. Customers should prepare for emergency water service
disruptions by having the recommended water storage supply readily available for essential
uses. For more water emergency preparedness tips, please visit www.kauaiwater.org or see
more information at the end of this news release.
• 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 National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-
245-6001.
• To sign up for Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the county’s emergency
notification service, please go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov and click on "Sign up
for Emergency Notifications." You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency
at 808-241-1800.
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