As early as 5:30 a.m. today, Kauai's automated alert system was calling residents who had signed up for emergency warnings.

Sirens could be heard at 6 a.m. on Kauai.
Tsunami waves could arrive on Kauai about 11:45 a.m., a county news release said.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., speaking on KONG radio (93.5 FM), advised residents to "stay put, stay home" if they are outside tsunami evacuation zones, and "evacuate and go to high ground as soon as they can" if they are in a danger area.
Carvalho said Kauai Civil Air Patrol had flown the coastline at 6 a.m., making its first announcement for those on the beach to evacuate. He said civil defense workers have already evacuated campers from beaches and warnings were sent out beginning at 5:30 a.m. via the county's automatic telephone, text and e-mail emergency warning system.
County officials will be allowing only one-way traffic out of 18 low-lying locations on the island until the tsunami warning is lifted, Carvalho said.
Bus service will be limited limited to short routes. Meanwhile, the Wailua Golf Course, Hanapepe transfer station and Kekaka landfill are closed until further notice, Carvalho said.
"For all Kauai, we're really wanting to send the message out, 'Stay put, take care of your family. It's going to be OK. Evacuate and go to high ground," Carvalho said.
A county press release advised anyone evacuating a residence or business to turn off their gas appliances; not to use telephones or cell phones except for emergencies; and to stay off of roads unless absolutely necessary.
The release also said Kauai’s Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated and all state Department of Education and KIF athletic events are canceled.
Callers to KONG radio were reporting lines at gas stations and cancellation
of a variety of youth athletic events.
Kauaçi officials reminded residents to check the tsunami inundation maps in
the front section of local phone books. Those in inundation zones are
advised to evacuate to higher ground no later than 9 a.m.
Emergency shelters on Kauaçi will be open at 11:45 a.m. in: Waimea,
Kaumakani, Kōloa, Līhu'e and Kīlauea neighborhood centers; and at Kapa‘a
High School.
Starting at 9:30 am, Kaua'i police will set up roadblocks and only vehicles
heading for higher ground will be allowed to travel on coastal roadways.
The Kaua'i Bus has cancelled several routes including: the 10:30 am and
12:30 pm Route 100, Kekaha to Līhu'e; 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, Route 200,
Līhu'e to Kekaha; 10:15 am and 12:15 pm, Route 400, Hanalei to Līhu'e; 10:25
am and 12:25 pm, Route 500, Līhu'e to Hanalei; 12:33 pm, Route 60, Kapahi;
9:20 am and 1:20 pm, Route 300, Kōloa/Po'ipū.
In addition, the bus stop at the Garden Island Inn and the one across street
from the Garden Island Inn will be closed from 9 am to 2 pm.