Areas still without power include small pockets of customers in Kula, Haʻikū, Makawao, Wailuku and Kahului where transformer damage or downed lines exist.

The state administration anticipates the release of some employees in Maui and Hawaiʻi Counties today and/or tomorrow, to the extent the storm progresses as currently anticipated, officials from the governor’s office announced in a press release this afternoon.

BREAKING: A 3.5 magnitude earthquake was reported off the windward coast of Oahu at 10:31 a.m. HST on Monday, July 29, 2013. There is NO tsunami expected according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Maui park and trail closures include: Kula Forest Reserve; Makawao Forest Reserve; ʻĪao Valley State Monument Park; Waiʻānapanapa State Park; Mākena State Park; and Polipoli State Park.

Before the storm hits MECO advises that customers take the following precautions: Turn off and unplug unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics which could be damaged by a power surge.

The Maui of County Civil Defense agency announced the availability of shelters for those needing protection or refuge from the storm.

The following are closures in effect for Monday, July 29, 2013, in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Storm Flossie.

FLOOD ADVISORY for LANAI, in effect until 11:00 p.m. At 7:48 p.m. radar showed heavy rain over Lanai. The heavy rains are moving west at 15 to 20 mph. Other locations in the advisory include, but are not limited to, Manele Harbor and Lanai City.

Volunteer workers with the Hawaiʻi State Chapter of the American Red Cross are on standby for activation on Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi in response to Tropical Storm Flossie.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed an Emergency Proclamation on Sunday evening in preparation of Tropical Storm Flossie, which is expected to make landfall Monday morning on the eastern end of Hawaiʻi Island.