Residents are advised to make preparations as a tropical storm bears down on the state.
A tropical system, currently designated Tropical Cyclone One-C, is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression or storm by the end of Wednesday.
The National Weather Service’s current projected trajectory for the system places Hawai‘i squarely in its path, with the system expected to reach the state Saturday morning. Heavy rains are expected to reach Hawai‘i Island on Friday, Maui on Saturday, and the remaining islands on Sunday.
NWS is currently anticipating the winds speeds of at least 39 miles per hour, with an outside possibility of speeds as high as 74 miles per hour. The first winds from the storm are expected to reach the Big Island also on Friday.
In anticipation of the storm, county and state officials have urged residents to prepare now. Residents should ensure they have emergency supplies — food, water, medication, batteries and other essentials — to last at least 14 days, review household emergency plans including evacuation routes, secure outdoor loose items, clear drains and gutters to prevent flooding, and keep vehicles fueled.
Hawaiian Electric advises residents to also note the location of power lines around homes, and stay at least 10 feet away from them while securing the property. Portable generators should be placed in well-ventilated areas outside the home.
As high winds are expected, residents are also urged to use extreme caution with open flames or equipment that could generate a spark.
The Hawai‘i County Mayor’s Office warned that, because the storm is developing closer to the state than is typical, impacts could occur with less warning than usual.
Residents should subscribe to emergency alerts via the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency and their county’s Civil Defense or Emergency Management department.
On O‘ahu, the Honolulu Police Department announced Wednesday morning it may activate its Joint Operations Center to coordinate emergency response efforts.
The City and County of Honolulu is also conducting additional preparations for the storm, including clearing debris from waterways such as Mānoa Stream to mitigate potential flooding, and securing construction areas to prevent wind-blown materials.
Additional updates are expected as the storm continues to develop.
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