Hawai’i residents are urged to once again batten down the hatches as the state’s summer of storms continues.
As of Wednesday, the newly named Tropical Storm Nolo was bearing northward toward the state, with the National Weather Service predicting the storm to intensify to hurricane status by Friday, and potentially to major hurricane status by Saturday — about the same time it is expected to make its closest approach to Hawai’i Island.
National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist John Bravender said Wednesday that tropical storm-force winds could hit the Big Island as early as Friday, and that the storm could bring 20-30 inches of rain through the weekend.
Nolo is expected to veer westward just south of the state and slowly pass below the islands. As it passes, the Big Island will face “extreme” flash flooding risks on Friday and Saturday, as well as “extreme” winds on Saturday, according to a NWS outlook.
As of Wednesday afternoon, a hurricane watch is in effect for the entirety of Hawai’i Island and its surrounding waters. The NWS warns that there is potential for winds between 74 and 110 mph. A flood watch is also in effect for all of the Big Island, Maui and Moloka’i.
Gov. Josh Green acknowledged Wednesday that many on the Big Island, particularly in Ka’u, are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Lala two storms ago.
“If you feel unsafe, please … go up to Hilo as this new storm approaches,” Green said, adding that the state Department of Human Services has 100 hotel rooms available for people to stay in if their home is threatened by Nolo. “If you do decide to wait out the storm at home … please listen to us if we ask you to evacuate. Material goods can be replaced, houses can be rebuilt, but we can’t bring back our loved ones.”
Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Adjutant General of the State of Hawai’i Department of Defense, said 232 National Guard personnel are currently positioned for storm response and recovery efforts, and that he is authorized to activate up to 500 if the need arises. On Hawai’i Island, there are five high-water vehicle teams and 50 personnel standing by.
Hawai’i County has opened hurricane shelters in advance of the storm: at Yano Hall in Captain Cook, the Nā’ālehu Elementary School Gym, the Robert Herkes Gym in Pāhala and the Kea’au Armory. Transportation for Na’alehu residents seeking to shelter in Pāhala will be provided at Nā’ālehu Elementary at 6 p.m. today.
Big Island residents can fill sandbags at several sites around the island provided by the county Department of Public Works, although they will have to bring their own bags.
As always, residents are urged to clear debris from around their properties, ensure that drainage areas are properly cleared, stockpile up 14 days worth of food, water and essential medications, prepare go bags and evacuation plans for themselves and their families, and to sign up for alerts from state and county emergency management agencies.
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