Storm winds increase with peak impacts expected to begin this afternoon

The County of Hawaiʻi is advising residents and visitors to avoid all nonessential travel due to severe weather.

Storm winds continue to increase, with peak impacts forecast from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. Flood risks are expected, particularly in windward areas. Strong to locally damaging winds are forecast in Kohala, North Kona, and Kaʻū, with the potential for gusts higher than 60 mph in some areas.

Shelters will open in North Hilo, Hāmākua, and Kohala districts at 3 p.m., and county park and solid waste facilities will close starting Sunday. All nonessential county services will be closed on Monday.

“We ask residents to avoid all nonessential travel as weather impacts are expected to continue to intensify through tomorrow,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Crews are working hard to keep roads clear, but if you don’t need to go, stay home. Follow our emergency notifications as we will keep the public informed of any updates.”

Mayor Alameda signed an emergency proclamation on Sunday due to ongoing and expected impacts. The declaration allows the county to streamline its response and coordinate resources.

The shelters available include:

• Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road, Waimea
• Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaʻau
• Honokaʻa Sports Complex Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honokaʻa
• Papāʻaloa Park Community Center, 35-1994 Government Main Road, Papāʻaloa

As of noon, all solid waste facilities and most county park facilities, including all beach parks, will be closed. The Hilo Municipal Golf Course and Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens remain open Sunday.

On Monday, all nonessential county services and operations, including park and solid waste facilities, will be closed.

Waipiʻo Valley Road is only open to valley residents and farmers from noon Sunday to 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Hele-On has announced the following bus routes are canceled on Sunday due to severe weather:

• Route 1
• Route 2
• Route 60 @ 5:30 a.m. (to Hilo)
• Route 75 @ 6:15 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 11:10 p.m. (southbound)
• Route 75 @ 9:49 a.m., 3:03 p.m., 11:20 p.m. (northbound)
• Route 80 @ 4:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 7:15 p.m. (to South Kohala Resorts)
• Route 80 @ 11:30 p.m. (to Hilo)
• Route 90 @ 1 p.m. (northbound), 5:30 p.m. (southbound)

The following route will be modified on Sunday:

• Route 90 will start and end in Nāʻālehu.

The following routes will be canceled on Monday:

• Route 1
• Route 2
• Route 10
• Route 12
• Route 60
• Route 75
• Route 76
• Route 80
• Route 90
• Route 301

Hawaiʻi County reminds residents and visitors that winds can push a vehicle off the road, which is why nonessential travel should be avoided.

Avoid routes that have low-lying areas prone to flooding. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it’s not currently raining. Never try to cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle.

The county suggests monitoring local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and its potential hazards, and having a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate.

Go-bags should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents, and other necessities for the members of your household, including pets, if you need to leave in a hurry.

Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to ensure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.

Report damages here:

• Residential Damage Report.
• Commercial Damage Report.
• Request for Assistance.

The County will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Civil Defense alerts at their website.