(BIVN) – Hawaiʻi County non-emergency services and operations will remain closed on Saturday due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Nolo.
As of 2 pm on Friday afternoon, Hurricane Nolo was located 155 miles south of Hawaiʻi island, and moving slowly north-northeast at 5 mph.
A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning remain in effect for Hawaiʻi County.
Nolo is expected to slow down even more Friday night, and then turn sharply to the west with an increase in forward speed by the weekend, as it becomes a major hurricane.
The updated forecast track as of 2 p.m. keeps the hurricane to the south of Hawaiʻi island. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center of Nolo, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles. Those tropical storm force winds will begin to be felt over parts of Hawaiʻi island by this evening.
“As we track Hurricane Nolo, our primary concern remains the potential for life-threatening flash flooding and tropical storm force winds,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Those impacts could increase significantly if the storm moves further north than currently expected, so we continue to ask all of our residents to remain storm ready. If you are in areas that are prone to flooding or could face access issues, move to safe shelter before flooding begins. We will get through this together, so stay vigilant, stay connected and follow our Civil Defense alerts and official forecasts for updates.”
There are nine emergency shelters open on Hawaiʻi Island. The County will open another shelter at Hisaoka Gym in Kapa‘au on Friday at 6 p.m.
Open Shelters
- Sgt. Rodney J.T. Yano Memorial Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook
- Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu
- Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala
- Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau
- Honoka‘a Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honoka‘a
- Pāpa‘aloa Park Annex, 35-1994 Government Main Road, Pāpa‘aloa
- Pu‘u‘eo Community Center, 145 Wainaku St., Hilo
- Kahilu Town Hall, 67-1182 Lindsey Road, Waimea
- Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, Ocean View
Shelter Opening at 6 p.m.
- Ikuo Hisaoka Gym, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapa‘au
“Shelter occupants are encouraged to bring their own food, water, sleeping bag, and any necessary medicine,” the County says. “Shelters are pet friendly. Please bring your own crate and leash.”
The Mass Transit Agency will operate free shuttle service from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday from Nāʻālehu Elementary School to the shelter at Robert N. Herkes Gym in Pāhala.
The County also provided this general safety information:
- Know the areas that are prone to flooding, especially near your home, and use extra caution around them. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it’s not raining where you are.
- Be prepared for road closures and extended power outages.
- Never try to cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Monitor local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and its potential hazards.
- Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate the area, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents, and other necessities for the members of your household (including pets) if you need to leave in a hurry.
- Check the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that may block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.
- Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.
