Maui County Urges Caution as Hurricane Lane Approaches

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa discusses County Preparation ahead of Hurricane Lane. PC: County of Maui.

Maui County urges all residents to be prepared for Hurricane Lane as a Hurricane Watch travels closer to our islands. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the county as well as a Flash Flood Watch.

The Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. Conditions could include excessive rainfall, high surf and high wind for all parts of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. South and West facing shores are expected to endure the brunt of the damaging surf.

The Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that leads to flash flooding. Intense rainfall is expected on South and East facing slopes. Flash floods may leave some areas impassible due to severe runoff as well as possible debris in streams and gulches. Flash flooding is a dangerous situation and motorists are advised to stay off the roads where it occurs.

“These flash floods are extremely dangerous and could endanger people who are out on the road during heavy downpours,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. “Our residents and visitors should avoid traveling at all costs during this storm event. Stay home, stay informed and stay safe.”

Earlier today at 3 p.m. Mayor Arakawa signed a pre-event emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Lane.

In preparation for the storm all county offices will be closed Wednesday, August 21. This includes all Driver Licensing & Motor Vehicle offices, Real Property Tax, Liquor certification examination locations and senior services will be closed until Monday, August 27.

All county park, park facilities and pools will be closed pending a storm damage assessment on Saturday.

The last trash pick-up will be scheduled for Wednesday.

All county landfills will be closed at noon on Wednesday and opening on Friday pending storm damage assessment.

To find out if you live in a flood hazard area, go to http://gis.hawaiinfip.org and type in your address. For more information about the storm contact the Maui Emergency Management Agency at 270-7285 or click on www.mauicounty.gov.

DOE SCHOOL CLOSURES
MIL SPORTS/SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CANCELLED
LANE TUESDAY UPDATES
PEAK WIND/RAINFALL
PREPAREDNESS INFO
TIPS/CHECKLISTS
HURRICANE PREP FOR PETS

Below is a Facebook video of Mayor Arakawa addressing viewers on the Maui County FB pages:

https://www.facebook.com/countyofmaui/videos/2164167150526610/