Update: Mayor signs emergency proclamation ahead of anticipated severe weather

Update at 5:19 p.m. Jan. 30: Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda on Thursday signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of impacts from possible severe weather on Hawaiʻi Island.

The proclamation allows the county to streamline its response and coordinate resources as heavy rainfall and high winds are expected.

“We urge our residents to stay prepared and take extra precaution as severe weather moves across the island,” said Alameda. “Crews are working hard to ensure roadways are clear and to restore power to traffic intersections. We ask residents to remain off roadways, if possible, as weather conditions worsen and to stay connected to our emergency notifications.”

The county earlier also closed several facilities and parks as well as opened 7 emergency shelters around the island in anticipation of the severe weather.

Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit added to the list with an announcement that the following Hele-On bus routes will be canceled Friday because of the expected hazardous weather conditions:

• Route 1 (to Kona): 9:30 a.m.
• Route 1 (to Hilo): 7:45 a.m.
• Route 2 (to Kona): 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m.
• Route 2 (to Hilo): 1:30 p.m.
• Route 10.
• Route 60: 5:30 a.m.
• Route 75 (Southbound): 6:15 a.m., 6:55 a.m., 1:45 p.m.
• Route 75 (Northbound): 7:10 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 2:45 p.m.
• Route 76 (Eastbound): 5:45 a.m., 6:45 a.m.
• Route 76 (Westbound): 6:30 a.m., 8:09 a.m.
• Route 80 (to South Kohala Resorts/Kona): 3:15 a.m., 3:35 a.m., 4:15 a.m., 5 a.m.
• Route 80 (to Hilo): 7:30 a.m., 1:55 p.m., 4 p.m., 4:35 p.m.
• Route 90 (to South Kohala Resorts): 3:30 a.m., 5:40 a.m., 8 a.m.
• Route 90 (to Ocean View): 7:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3 p.m.

All other routes are scheduled to operate as normal. However, delays, re-routing or cancellations can occur at any time with little to no notice based on road conditions.

There also are several weather advisories in effect for the Big Island through tomorrow, and thousands of homes and businesses are experiencing power outages already because of the storm’s impacts.

Original post from 4:37 p.m. Jan. 30: Hawaiʻi County is urging its residents to take precautions as a major storm system is expected to soon bring heavy rainfall and high winds to the Big Island.

The county also has opened several emergency shelters around the island in anticipation of severe weather.

Seven shelters are open, with a total of 11 available. Additional shelters will be opened and staffed as needed.

Open shelters are located at:

• Waimea Community Center.
• Nāʻālehu Community Center.
• Robert N. Herkes Gym (Pāhala).
• Yano Hall (Captain Cook).
• Kekuaokalani Gym (Kailua-Kona).
• Keaʻau Armory.
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility.

Storm impacts and timeline

Peak impacts: Thursday night through Friday morning, with conditions improving by Saturday morning.

Heavy rain and flooding: Rapidly accumulating rainfall could cause flash flooding. Avoid flooded roadways — turn around, don’t drown.

High winds: Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 60 mph, particularly in higher elevations.

Snow on summits: As much as 2 feet of snow is expected atop the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, which are under a winter storm warning.

Severe weather potential: Brief and weak tornadoes are possible with this system.

Marine hazards: The U.S. Coast Guard reminds boaters to secure their moorings and prepare for hazardous seas.

Safety and emergency response

Downed power lines and trees: Do not approach or attempt to move downed power lines. Assume they are live and report them immediately. Exercise caution with fallen trees and debris.

Lightning safety: When thunder roars, go indoors. Seek shelter immediately during thunderstorms.

Travel precautions: Travelers should check with their airlines and transportation providers for potential delays or cancellations.

Public caution and preparedness

Residents and visitors should take the following steps to stay safe:

• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become airborne in high winds.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm impacts.
• Charge cellphones and keep flashlights and emergency supplies readily available.
• Stay informed through official updates from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and the National Weather Service.

First responder and community safety

Emergency personnel will be actively responding throughout the storm, and residents are urged to prioritize their safety by avoiding hazardous areas. If you encounter emergency responders or road crews, allow them space to operate safely.

Where to get information

The county will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve.

Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense alerts at at the Civil Defense website.

For official weather and hazard updates, visit the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map and the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website.