6:30 PM CD: High Surf Warning, Flash Flood Watch in Effect

VIDEO: MacKenzie State Recreation Area, Hawai‘i island. VC: DLNR

Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, 6:30 PM: High Surf Warning in Effect

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that as of 5 p.m., Hurricane Olivia has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, located 380 miles ENE of Hilo with sustained winds of 70 mph, moving west at 10 mph.

Due to Tropical Storm Olivia, the following advisories are in effect:

• Tropical Storm Warning for Hawai‘i Island. A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when there is a high probability of tropical storm force winds expected anytime within the next 36 hours.
• High Surf Warning for east-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island, from Cape Kumukahi to Upolu Point.
• Flash Flood Watch for Hawai‘i Island. Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around don’t drown.

For your additional information:

There are no road closures at this time.

Emergency shelters have been designated throughout the island. If shelters are needed, an additional message will be sent out with more details.

The county will not be distributing sandbags until active flooding occurs. Take the necessary precautions to prepare your property if you live in a flood-prone area.

More information on hurricane preparedness can be found here.

4 p.m.: Some Schools Close

Connections Public Charter School in Hilo will be closed tomorrow due to the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Olivia. For updates, go online or visit individual school websites.

After-school and evening activities are cancelled tomorrow, Sept. 11, for Kamehameha Schools’ campuses, Community Education programs and community sites on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Molokaʻi due to approaching Tropical Storm Olivia.

1 p.m.: State Parks/Forests to Close for Olivia

All Hawai‘i island and Maui Nui lands under the jurisdiction of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) are closing at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.

The closures are in advance of Hurricane Olivia, which is approaching Hawai‘i now.

DLNR Chair Suzanne Case explained, “This is standard operating procedure for our publicly accessible lands and is a prudent approach to keep everyone out of harm’s way during these hurricanes and tropical storm events. We know it may be an inconvenience for people, particularly those who have camping permits, but our top priority is keeping everyone… staff and visitors’ safe until the storm has passed.”

DOFAW managed lands on Hawai‘i and Maui include all: forest reserves, natural area reserves, game management areas, wildlife sanctuaries, public hunting areas and Na Ala Hele trails.

HAWAI‘I ISLAND

East-side parks closing at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018

West-side parks-will be evaluated for closing as the storm approaches

All closures remain in effect until further notice pending impact assessments.

People with camping and lodging permits have been notified via email about refunds or rescheduling their visits.

All state small boat harbors, operated by the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) will remain open during the storm and provide safe harbor for small vessels.

Additional forest lands and parks on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i may be closed as the trajectory of Hurricane Oliva becomes clearer.

6 a.m.: Schools & Roads Open

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense issued an update for Hurricane Olivia.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that as of 5 am, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Hawai‘i County.

A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when there is a high probability of Tropical Storm winds within 36 hours.

Due to the Tropical Storm Warning, the following is for your information:

• Department of Education reports all schools are open
• Police report no road closures at this time
• All districts report no impacts at this time
• You will be kept informed of any threats that affect your safety

More information on hurricane preparedness can be found here.