County of Maui continues to prepare, encourages readiness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina

County of Maui departments continue to respond to damage from Tropical Storm Lala while preparing for possible impacts from hurricanes Lowell and Karina. With multiple weather systems interacting, there is more uncertainty in forecasts, National Weather Service officials have emphasized. Meanwhile, officials are echoing calls for community members to stay prepared during this above-normal hurricane season.

“After the recent impacts from Tropical Storm Lala, even light to moderate rain and winds could lead to flooding, debris, downed trees, road issues and power outages,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “We know our community has been through a lot, and many are still recovering. Our County teams are prepared and ready to respond, and we’re asking our community to stay alert, take precautions and be prepared. By working together and looking out for one another, we can help keep our community safe.”

For Maui County, the main weather effects expected from Lowell are wind and surf. NWS issued a Wind Advisory for portions of Maui County and the Big Island through 6 a.m. Friday, predicting gusts of up to 55 mph. A High Surf Advisory is in effect for south and southeast-facing shores through tonight.

NWS this morning said outer rainbands from Lowell could bring lingering rain to the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday into Monday and early next week, but rain and precipitation amount forecasts will become clearer in the next 24-48 hours.

Located about 450 miles south of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Lowell decreased to Category 4 hurricane this morning and is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days. Latest forecasts predict it will turn north Saturday night and register as a Category 3 hurricane as it moves close to Kauai on Monday.

Karina poses less of a threat and is now a Category 3 hurricane about 1,135 miles east of Hilo. NWS said the hurricane is expected to weaken as it moves westward, eventually staying well northeast of Hawai’i.

Hurricane Marie is swirling outside of Baja California and is not expected to pose a threat to Hawai’i.

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been coordinating with other County departments, as well as state and nongovernment partners, to prepare for potential storm impacts.

“Our focus remains on maintaining situational awareness, coordinating closely with our partners and taking the necessary steps to prepare and protect our communities,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “Strong, gusty winds and high surf are our main concerns at this time, but these storms are fluid, so it’s important to stay prepared and informed. Continued vigilance and coordination will help us respond quickly and keep our communities safe.”

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.

• Along with responding to impacts from Tropical Storm Lala, Department of Public Works (DPW) crews have been preparing for the incoming system by ensuring all storm-response equipment is fueled and ready to go. If conditions intensify, DPW will position equipment and personnel.

• Department of Water Supply 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. Crews are on standby if needed.

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/.