KEMA urges exposed south and west shore residents to move to safety

The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency is urging residents and visitors at exposed oceanfront properties along Kauaʻi’s south and west shores to move to a safer location as soon as possible, before wind, rain, and ocean conditions make travel unsafe.

Hurricane Lowell is expected to produce storm-surge inundation of two to four feet above in some areas along the south and west shores. Large and destructive waves may cause additional coastal flooding and overwash. Storm surge is a dangerous rise of ocean water caused by a storm that can quickly flood normally dry coastal areas.

The worst of the storm, including ocean conditions, is expected to arrive during the overnight hours. Residents are urged to use the remaining daylight to finish their preparations and complete any voluntary evacuations.

“If you are in an oceanfront home or property exposed to large waves and rising water, please do not wait,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “Once conditions deteriorate tonight, roads may be blocked by flooding, downed trees, or power lines, and it may no longer be safe to leave. Use the daylight you have left to get yourself, your family, and your neighbors to a safer place.”

Those in single-story buildings should voluntarily evacuate inland or to higher ground while roads remain open and travel remains safe. Those in sturdy multistory buildings may move to the second floor or higher, away from windows, and should follow instructions from property management or public safety officials.

If you feel unsafe at your location, move to a safer place now. Do not wait for water to enter the building, block your access road, or make travel dangerous. Potential refuge areas are available for those who do not have another safe place to go.

Act now if you or a loved one needs additional time, transportation, or assistance.

People who are not at exposed oceanfront properties should shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel. Roads may become impassable due to flooding, downed trees or power lines, storm surge, or other hazards.

Continue monitoring official County and National Weather Service information. Never drive through floodwater or around barricades.

Please call 911 only for emergencies. For information on road conditions, call 808-241-1725.

Refuge Areas

The County, in partnership with the American Red Cross, has opened the following potential refuge areas:

• Kīlauea Neighborhood Center located at 2460 Keneke Street in Kīlauea
• Kapaʻa Middle School located at 4867 Olohena Road in Kapaʻa
• Kauaʻi High School Gym located at 3577 Lala Road in Līhuʻe
• Kalāheo Neighborhood Center located at 4480 Papalina Road in Kalāheo
• Waimea Canyon Middle School located at 9555 Huakai Road in Waimea

Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.

The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas.

KEMA released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/KEMA, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on incident and operational needs. Should additional refuge areas be activated for this event, KEMA will issue news releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.

Other important numbers and resources

For emergency management information and updates, visit the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at kauai.gov/KEMA.

For the latest forecasts, watches, and warnings, visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov/hfo or call 808-245-6001.

For water service information, contact the Kauaʻi Department of Water at 808-245-5400 or visit kauaiwater.org.

For road and closure conditions, call 808-241-1725.

Call 9-1-1 only for life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency assistance, contact Kauaʻi Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711.

For ocean safety information, visit safebeachday.com or contact the Kauaʻi Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

To receive emergency alerts and notifications from the County of Kauaʻi, sign up for Everbridge. Please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and click on “Notification Services.”