Kauai County officials are stressing the public should be vigilant about safety and caution as weather conditions will be potentially severe Friday through Sunday.

There is a flood watch for Kauai and the rest of the state in effect until at least Friday, and the island is already experiencing pre-frontal showers.

"Officials with the National Weather Service are forecasting severe weather from a kona low to reach Kaua‘i starting Friday and continuing through the weekend,” said Kauai Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “Given the nature of recent heavy rain events, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and avoid outdoor activities in flood-prone areas like roadways, rivers/streams, and low-lying areas.”

According to the National Weather Service, a kona low developing north of the state will bring the potential for a prolonged period of heavy rain and thunderstorms over portions of the state from Wednesday through Friday. For Kauai, showers will increase throughout the day Wednesday and into the night, especially over leeward areas. As the frontal boundary moves through this evening, shower coverage should decrease for most areas Wednesday night, but increase over north Kauai where periods of moderate rain will be possible on Thursday. Although it will be wet and showery at times through Thursday, the main heavy rain event will likely begin on Friday and likely persist through the weekend.

Officials note that Kuhio Highway, near the Hanalei Bridge, may need to be closed with short to no-advanced notice, mainly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued, and that utilities and other services may be disrupted.

The following actions are recommended when preparing for a weather emergency:

  • Emergency Preparedness Kits – Emergency preparedness kits should contain at least a 14-day supply of food and water (including non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day). Kits should also include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra 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, check 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 severe weather threatens. Make an action plan, including 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 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 hiking, river, or beach excursions. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; 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 safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
  • Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – Please visit www.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 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. 
    • Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/kema
    • National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
    • Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
    • Do not call Kaua‘i Police 911 unless it is an emergency.