NAWILIWILI — Where’s the hurricane? Kevin Sakamoto wanted to know, Monday. His daughter, Emi, 4, had her preschool canceled due to the threat of the impending storm, but the weather conditions of calm seas, blue skies laced with fleecy white
NAWILIWILI — Where’s the hurricane? Kevin Sakamoto wanted to know, Monday.
His daughter, Emi, 4, had her preschool canceled due to the threat of the impending storm, but the weather conditions of calm seas, blue skies laced with fleecy white clouds and a bright sun were more than the pair could resist.
“We came to Kalapaki Beach to have some lunch, and now, Emi is upset because she didn’t bring her bathing suit and wants to play on the beach,” Sakamoto said. “I don’t know about tomorrow, yet, because no one has notified us, but the preschool said last week, they were going to close Monday due to the storm.”
All public schools were open Monday and will be open today, according to a state Department of Education statement released Monday evening.
As Sakamoto and his daughter relaxed under the shade of a coconut tree on a knoll at the beach, across the way Krishan Yatagama of Kaua‘i Beach Boys was busy working with a group of stand-up surfing students.
“The storm hasn’t really affected the business today,” said Amanda Mayer, manning the counter at the beachside concession. “If anything, people are coming up to us and asking where’s the (hurricane-generated) surf.”
The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory at 8:45 a.m., Monday.
Tropical Storm Felicia, downgraded from its hurricane status Sunday, will produce large waves along east-facing shores here that will continue to rise and likely reach or exceed eight feet in height, the advisory states.
At 11 a.m., Monday, the NWS issued a flash flood watch that will be in effect from this evening through Wednesday afternoon.
Debbie Ward of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources issued a statement saying effective Monday, no new camping permits will be issued for Na Pali Coast State Park as a precaution until the weather situation improves.
Other parks on Maui and the Big Island were also being closed ahead of the arrival of Felicia.
The storm continues to weaken and may dissipate within the next two to three days, forecasters said.
The abundant moisture associated with Felicia’s circulation may still produce heavy rainfall with the potential for flash flooding on Kaua‘i and elsewhere in the state, the NWS states.
People in flood-prone areas need to prepare now for the possibility of heavy rains. Rock and mudslides are also possible once the heavy rain begins.
People should also monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should a flash flood warning be issued.
At 8 p.m., Monday, the center of Felicia was about 175 miles east-northeast of Hilo and about 340 miles east of Honolulu, the NWS said in its advisory.
On the Net: forecast.weather.gov, doe.k12.hi.us.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
