County of Maui continues to prepare, encourages readiness as TS Moke moves toward Hawaiʻi

County of Maui departments are responding to damage from last weekend’s storm while preparing for possible impacts from an incoming weather system that recently strengthened into Tropical Storm Moke. Meanwhile, emergency management officials are echoing calls for community members to stay prepared during this above-normal hurricane season.

The latest information from the National Weather Service indicates that Tropical Storm Moke is forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands late this weekend into Monday. While the system’s center is expected to remain south of the state, Maui County could experience increased winds and heavy rainfall as the storm passes.

“Recent impacts from Tropical Storm Lala mean that even light to moderate rain and wind could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, roadway issues and power outages,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “County departments have been preparing for Tropical Storm Moke, and we’re asking our community to do the same. Finish securing property, making sure your home has enough food, water, supplies and medications, and check on kūpuna, neighbors and loved ones. Our County teams are positioned and ready to respond if needed. We know many in our community are experiencing storm fatigue and still recovering from last weekend’s weather system, so mahalo for continuing to look out for one another and staying prepared — especially because we are up against an above-average hurricane season.”

Tropical Storm Moke could bring two to four inches of rain to Maui’s windward side Saturday through Monday night, with locally higher amounts, according to NWS. Flash-flood risk increases Sunday and becomes elevated Monday.

“Our focus remains on maintaining situational awareness, coordinating closely with our partners and taking the necessary preparation steps to protect our communities. We are also closely monitoring vulnerable areas and infrastructure that may be affected,” Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “We encourage community members to remain prepared and stay informed through the weekend. Continued vigilance and coordination will help us respond quickly and keep our communities safe.”

MEMA has been coordinating with other County departments, as well as state and nongovernment partners, to prepare for potential storm impacts. Other County preparations include the following:

• MEMA has been working with American Red Cross and other partners to identify shelters that can be opened in potentially vulnerable areas should storm impacts warrant evacuation.
• Maui Police Department is increasing staffing for all districts to prepare for the storm; all stations tested generators to ensure they are operable. The public should be advised of the following:
  • Anticipate longer response times for nonemergency/non-in progress calls — public safety will be prioritized during the storm.
  • If there is a situation where emergency evacuation is needed, call 911.
  • Crimes committed during an emergency proclamation have enhanced penalties.
  • If traffic signals go out or malfunction, treat intersections like a four-way-stop.
• Along with responding to road and drainage impacts from Tropical Storm Lala, Department of Public Works crews have been preparing for the incoming system by ensuring all storm-response equipment is fueled and ready to go, inspecting and cleaning drainage and flood control infrastructure and prepositioned traffic control devices and equipment for deployment if needed throughout Maui County, including Lahaina, Wailuku, Makawao, Hāna, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
• Department of Water Supply (DWS) is repairing water infrastructure damaged last weekend by Tropical Storm Lala while prepping all system infrastructure sites that could potentially be affected by the approaching storm. DWS and Department of Environmental Management are checking and topping off fuel in all permanent and portable generators. All vehicles are being refueled daily in anticipation of the storm. Standby crews have been set up for response.

 Residents are encouraged to:

• Review or update a family emergency plan.
• Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
• Prepare an emergency go bag with essential items to take if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Secure important documents and know your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
• Prepare your home by securing outdoor items, protecting windows if needed, and ensuring it is ready to withstand possible extended power outages.
• Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications by visiting https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration earlier this year forecasted an above-normal hurricane season for the Central Pacific, increasing the potential for tropical systems to affect Hawaiʻi. Hurricane season lasts through November.

For the latest information, visit NWS in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/ and subscribe to Genasys and MEMA alerts at https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.