County of Maui officials encourage residents to prepare for potential tropical storm

County of Maui officials are encouraging residents to prepare ahead of a potential tropical storm that is expected to strengthen before approaching the Hawaiian Islands as early as Friday night.

While its track, strength and possible impacts remain uncertain, the weather system located east-southeast of the state has a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). It could become a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane, bringing significant wind, heavy rain, flooding and large waves.

“With a potential tropical storm heading toward Maui County in the coming days, now is the time to get ready,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Preparedness is a kākou effort — we encourage everyone to take steps to protect their families, pets, homes and neighbors, and to check in on vulnerable community members, including kūpuna, individuals with disabilities and our unsheltered ‘ohana.”

Going into the weekend, there is a likelihood of dangerous winds, heavy rain, flooding and large waves. Hawai’i island and Maui County currently have the highest potential for heavy rainfall, although that forecast could change as the system develops, weather forecasters said.

“With guidance from the National Weather Service, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been coordinating with other County of Maui departments, as well as state and nongovernmental partners, to prepare for potential tropical storm impacts,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “Officials statewide are urging everyone to get prepared well before this system intensifies. Taking small steps now can make a significant difference in protecting your family, home and community.”

There are no watches or warnings in effect for Maui County but watches for the state could be issued as soon as Thursday, according to NWS.

“Heavy rain can quickly create dangerous conditions in our streams, roads and steep areas, so we need everyone to understand the risks where they live and know what they will do if conditions change,” Lonokailua-Hewett said.

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.

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.