County opens emergency weather shelters in preparation for incoming storm
Seven emergency shelters opened Thursday in some parts of the county, prompted by severe weather conditions.
“An approaching storm system is expected to bring heavy rainfall and high winds, and residents are urged to take precautions,” according to Hawaii County officials.
The following is a list of open emergency shelters:
• Waimea Community Center
• Nāʻālehu Community Center
• Robert N. Herkes Gym
• Yano Hall
• Kekuaokalani Gym
• Keaʻau Armory
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility
The following is a list of closed facilities due to current weather conditions:
• Mahukona Wharf
• Carvalho Park
• Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
• Keaʻau Armory (closed for normal daily activities but remains open for a shelter)
• Pāhoa Pool
Officials said that all county campsites are closed until further notice.
Storm weather is expected to peak from Thursday night to at least Friday morning, with conditions improving by Saturday morning, according to the county.
Potential winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected, with gusts up to 60 mph in higher elevated areas and possible flash flooding.
The Coast Guard also reminded boaters to secure moorings and prepare for hazardous seas.
The county advised residents and visitors to take the following safety precautions:
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become airborne in high winds;
• Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm impacts;
• Charge cell phones and keep flashlights and emergency supplies readily available and;
• Stay informed through official updates from Civil Defense and the National Weather Service.
“Emergency personnel will be actively responding throughout the storm, and residents are urged to prioritize their safety by avoiding hazardous areas,” the county said in a statement. “If you encounter emergency responders or road crews, please allow them space to operate safely.”
People can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Civil Defense alerts at hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/alerts.