Hawaiʻi County, state agencies prep for potential impacts from Hurricane Calvin

As Hurricane Calvin continues its trek, working its way toward the Central Pacific and the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiʻi County and other state agencies are closely monitoring the storm’s progress and making preparations.

While current forecasts suggest Calvin will weaken below hurricane status before reaching the state, County officials maintain that it is essential for Big Island residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hazards. The County emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential impacts, which include heavy rains and flooding, high surf and high winds that can affect the islands.

As part of the County’s commitment to public safety, all residents are urged to be proactive and take appropriate preventive measures to safeguard themselves and their property before conditions become hazardous. Residents can stay informed about the latest updates by following guidance from public messaging from outlets including the National Weather Service and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense.

For the most reliable information, the County encourages everyone to regularly check the Civil Defense webpage.

Residents can sign up for Everbridge messages from Civil Defense to make sure they get the most timely and critical alerts. Important notifications go directly to preferred communication channels, providing the most updated information to make the best decisions.

As officials continue to monitor Hurricane Calvin’s progress, the County will provide regular updates to keep residents informed and prepared for any potential impacts. Stay tuned to public messaging for the latest information.

“Please take this time to review your family emergency plan for hurricanes and your emergency kit,” Civil Defense said in a Friday afternoon tropical cyclone information statement, adding residents can also visit the Tropical Cyclone Resources page on the Civil Defense website for additional information.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is also closely monitoring Hurricane Calvin as it approaches the islands.

“We strongly urge all visitors and kama‘āina to remain vigilant and ho‘olohe — heed official updates and advice from your local emergency management agency — and exercise caution in the event of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” the state agency said in a press release Friday afternoon.

Swimmers should stay informed about ocean conditions. They can consult with lifeguards on duty or click here for the most recent beach information.

The agency also encourages residents to connect with their island’s emergency management agency through social media channels. They can also sign up for text alerts from the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency.

You can also access essential preparation information by clicking here.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation also is taking steps to be prepared for possible impacts from Calvin or its remnants.

Contractors are being notified about potential storms and possible flooding, and DOT crews and the contractors they work with routinely check drains and bridges, rockslide areas and low-lying spots along roadways.

At airports, DOT staff will work with tenants to ensure aircraft are secure, as well as other heavy equipment, and at harbor districts are in communication with the U.S. Coast Guard so appropriate action can be taken with harbor users and tenants should storm conditions require any port closures.

DOT crews also will take proactive steps such as topping off gas tanks of work vehicles in the field, as well as generators at airports, harbors and other facilities.

The department advises everyone to follow directions from local emergency management. Travelers should check with their airlines and cruise lines about possible delays.

Anyone who comes across a flooded road is advised to inform police and not to attempt to cross it. If you see downed utility lines, they should be treated as energized and authorities should be notified.

Any emergency updates from the DOT will be posted to its Facebook and Twitter feeds.

The latest weather imagery across the islands can be found here.