Maui County Nolo update: Emergency shelters on standby; storm preparations urged

With Hurricane Nolo forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, the latest forecast indicates the potential for significant impacts to Maui County has decreased, officials reported. However, Maui County remains under a tropical storm watch, flood watch and high surf advisory.

Residents are being advised to remain vigilant because conditions can change.

Maui County residents could still experience tropical storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and hazardous surf beginning tonight, with East Maui expected to see the greatest potential for rainfall impacts, according to the National Weather Service.

Nolo strengthened into a hurricane at 5 p.m. Thursday and became a Category 2 hurricane this morning, Maui County reported. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a Category 3 major hurricane tonight, around the time of its closest approach to Hawaiʻi Island.

Nolo is forecast to move westward through the weekend with its center passing south of the state. Impacts can extend well beyond the center of the storm, and county emergency officials will continue to closely monitor the system.

Emergency shelters on standby

Based on the latest forecast and current conditions, Maui County is postponing the opening of emergency shelters that had been scheduled to open doors as of noon today on Maui and Molokaʻi. The county remains prepared to open shelters should weather conditions or impacts warrant. County and American Red Cross personnel and supplies have been pre-positioned so shelters can be activated, if needed.

If shelters are opened, they will provide a safe gathering place from severe weather and charging stations for personal electronic devices. Residents should bring their own bedding, food, drinking water, medications, charging cables and other essential items. Pets are allowed if they are in crates. The duration and amenities of shelters will depend on weather conditions.

Roadway advisories

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is asking residents and visitors to exercise caution and not undertake nonessential travel to East Maui on Hāna Highway, which is susceptible to fallen trees, rocks and flooding.

County service cancellations and changes

Department of Transportation may alter or suspend Maui Bus services later today, depending on weather and road closures. Maui Bus services, including fixed route, ADA paratransit and commuter service to West and South Maui will be suspended Saturday. Commuter service to West and South Maui will be suspended Sunday. Fixed route and ADA Paratransit service may start operations later in the day, as conditions safely allow.

Maui County-sponsored event cancellations or changes

• Office of the Mayor’s Kōkua Kauaʻi Donation Drive, slated for Sept. 26-27, will be rescheduled.
• The War Memorial Gymnasium blessing, scheduled for Sept. 25, was canceled.

Hawaiian Electric crews deployed

Hawaiian Electric reported its crews are prepared and stand ready to respond and begin damage assessments as soon as it is safe to do so.

Employees, contractors and support staff have been deployed across Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu and Maui County in preparation for potential impacts from the storm, including powerful winds and heavy rain, the utility said.

“Customers should continue to plan for possible extended outages as the storm system makes its way across the island chain,” it said.

Hawaiian Electric crews who had been assisting with restoration efforts on Kauaʻi, are back on their respective islands and are available for storm response.

County preparations

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

Other County preparations include the following: 

• Department of Public Works crews have been preparing for the incoming system by ensuring all storm-response equipment is fueled and ready to go. If conditions intensify, department personnel will position equipment and personnel.
• Departments of Water Supply and 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. 
• Department of Fire and Public Safety has prepared generators at fire stations and had additional fuel delivered to prepare for potential power disruptions. Additional firefighters will be on duty and additional firefighting apparatus will be staffed today, Saturday and potentially Sunday.
• Maui Police Department has increased officer staffing and has additional officers on standby to help respond to storm-related incidents.

Heightened awareness

Residents and visitors are 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.

Emergency proclamation

On Thursday, Mayor Richard Bissen signed an emergency proclamation ahead of potential impacts from Hurricane Nolo. The emergency proclamation authorizes Maui County to access state and federal assistance programs for potential impacts and temporarily streamlines county procedures so resources, personnel and services can be deployed quickly and efficiently to support emergency response and recovery.

General safety information

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 that can become projectiles in strong winds, protecting windows, and ensuring readiness for possible extended power outages. 
• Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications by visiting https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA. 

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.