Blustery winds sweep Kauai, officials urge vigilance
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LIHUE — Officials with the National Weather Service advised residents on Thursday to remain observant while the robust low-pressure system persists and sweeps past the island.
On Thursday morning, The Department of Public Works crews responded to various locations for debris removal on the roadways and on county facilities from the overnight winds. Waimea Canyon Drive was also closed in both directions at mile markers 11.5 and 13 due to fallen trees.
The Kauai Police Department redirected vehicular traffic on Ahukini Road from Palae Street to the Veterans Memorial Highway intersections following the discovery of a utility pole that swayed in the wind while clinging to its utility lines for support.
The county reported that there were other reports of unstable utility poles, including in Kapaa and other areas of Lihue. Officials also announced the High Wind Warning would remain in effect until noon today due to the expected winds of 40 mph with 60 mph wind gusts.
The overnight winds also created damage to the Aloha Air Cargo warehouse facility at the Lihue Airport.
“We currently canceled all flights to and from Lihue,” said a notice from Aloha Air Cargo. “All stations have been advised not to accept cargo for Lihue. The building is not safe for our Lihue team. The state advised that they will send an engineer to assess the damages on Friday morning. We will send another update once we hear back from them regarding the structure.”
Beth Amaro, the communications manager at Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), advised residents in Haena and Wainiha that the power would not be restored until early morning on Jan. 31, due to the dangerous weather conditions and the helicopter’s inaccessibility to reach the transmission towers.
“Current weather conditions will not allow such access until Friday morning at the earliest,” said Amaro. “Crews are responding and restoring power as weather conditions allow.”
KIUC crews have been responding to weather-related outages since late Wednesday evening, Amaro said, and as of 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, KIUC reported more than 4,000 customers experiencing power outages, including 3, 781 members from Anahola to Haena, 76 members in Kapaa, 119 members in Kekaha, and 110 members in Kokee.
KIUC thanked everyone for their patience and understanding and advised the public to remain prepared for extended outages. The Department of Water also issued an immediate water conservation request for Hanalei, Wainiha, Haena, and Kilauea due to the electrical power outage.
A Flood Watch is also in effect and will remain through this afternoon. NWS advised that people avoid hiking or doing any outdoor activity in flood-prone areas such as roadways, hiking trails, rivers/streams and low-lying areas until further notice. They also remind motorists to drive with caution as powerful cross winds and flooding can cause serious risks on the road.
Federal, county and state officials continue to monitor the situation and are ready for any potential weather threat. The North Shore community is reminded that Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may need to be closed with short to no-advanced notice particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.
The Garden Island recommends the following actions to ensure you and those in your proximity are properly prepared in case severe weather or an emergency occurs:
w Have a strategy — Island residents are encouraged to shelter in place and have an evacuation strategy ready for when severe weather occurs. If severe weather threatens, the Hawaii Red Cross will provide a list of open shelters if they become available.
w Be Prepared — Go Bags should be prepared and ready in the event a severe emergency occurs. Bags should contain enough food and water to sustain a person for at least 14 days and should be prepared specifically according to everyone’s individual needs; however, every bag should have the essential items such as non-perishable food and water, a medical kit, face masks, sanitary wipes, extra clothes including a jacket, and shoes. Prepare for possible power outages by having plenty of candles, a flashlight, batteries, a radio or Starlink.
w Inspect your home — Walk your surroundings, and inspect for small outdoor items that can be swept up by high winds and cause injury. Examine and clear any drainage system that can clog and lead to a potential flood threat.
w Know before you go — Outdoor enthusiasts are urged to check weather conditions before starting any hike. It is advised not to cross any rivers or streams due to unpredictable water levels. Beachgoers and surfers are encouraged to speak with a lifeguard before entering the ocean. For more information regarding ocean conditions and safety visit safebeachday.com or contact the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4980.
w Stay informed — Follow the local news and/or listen to the radio. Download the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) for the county’s emergency notification service.
Additional emergency resources can be found by calling or visiting: Kauai Emergency Management Agency at kauai.gov/kema or 808-241-1800; NWS at weather.gov/hfo, or the automated weather line at 808-245-6001. For road closures and conditions call 808-241-1725.
Law enforcement officials remind the public not to call the Kauai Police Dispatch line for weather-related or road conditions as these calls distract and delay response times for those in urgent need. Only dial 911 if you find yourself in an emergency.
Remember, if you see any downed lines or utility poles on the ground, stay at least 30 feet clear, assume they are dangerous, and call 911.