Category 4 Hurricane Dora will bring high winds to Kauaʻi; Red Flag Warning issued

Hurricane Dora remains a Category 4 storm as it rapidly moves at 23 mph west across the Central Pacific with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph with higher gusts — and on a track well south of the Hawaiian Islands.

As of 5 a.m. on Monday, the center of Hurricane Dora was located near latitude 12.4 North, longitude 148.3 West, which is 675 miles southeast of Hilo, according to the National Hurricane Center.

While the storm is well south, forecasters say breezy easterly trade winds are forecast to become strong and gusty on Kauaʻi.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau that is in effect through 6 a.m. on Wednesday. East winds of 30 to 45 mph are forecast, with gusts over 65 mph.

The National Weather Service also has issued a Red Fire Warning from 6 a.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Wednesday for leeward areas of Kauaʻi.

A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will occur shortly. The combination of dry fuels, strong and gusty trade winds, and low relative humidity levels could produce extreme fire behavior. A Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts.

Kauaʻi residents should secure outdoor items and avoid any outdoor activities that involve the use of fire or a fire ignition source. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Outside of a few windward showers Monday morning, very dry air arriving from the east will limit rainfall chances through Wednesday. A return of a more typical trade wind pattern is anticipated later in the week through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles.

Some slow and gradual weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 808-241-1725. Please do not call Kaua‘i police 911 unless you have an emergency.

For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

To sign up for the county’s emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), please go to the county’s website, www.kauai.gov, or call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.