Hurricane Watch issued for Kauai County; Mayor Carvalho signs emergency proclamation

LIHUE — A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Kaua‘i County as of 5 a.m. today Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. signed an emergency proclamation Tuesday, due to the potential of significant impacts to the island.

“As Hurricane Lane moves nearer to Kauai, we continue to ask residents and visitors to remain vigilant and to monitor all weather updates,” said Mayor Carvalho.

A Hurricane Watch is typically issued 48 hours before the possible onset of hurricane conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for all south-facing shores of Kauai and Ni‘ihau, from 6 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Friday. The warning may be extended or modified as conditions develop. Beachgoers are urged to heed all posted warnings and advisories, and stay completely out of the water on all south-facing shores. Spectators are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

Additionally, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Kauai through Friday night. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that leads to 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.

Gov. David Ige signed a memorandum granting non-essential state employees on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i administrative leave as the state prepares for severe weather resulting from Hurricane Lane. State offices on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 through Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. Non-essential workers affected by the office closures should not report to work and will be granted administrative leave.

County officials continue to urge all residents and visitors to get prepared and stay informed. Officials recommend that residents and visitors take 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. 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.

· School Notifications – Visit the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) website, http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org, and social media, https://www.facebook.com/HIDOE808 and https://twitter.com/HIDOE808, for the latest information on possible school closures. Parents should make sure that their contact information on file with their child’s school is up-to-date, and that they understand the school’s closure notification procedure.

· Visitor Information – Visitors are urged to confirm flight arrangements with their airlines prior to heading to the airport. Visitors should review the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s travel safety tips at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com. A copy of their brochure can also be downloaded from the site.