Hawai‘i County to open several shelters later today ahead of approaching Tropical Storm Nolo
Updated at 2:40 p.m. Sept. 23, 2026.
Hawai‘i County is opening public shelters for anyone who seeks a safe place to take refuge from approaching Tropical Storm Nolo.
The following shelter locations open as of 6 p.m. today:
- Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau.
- Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Māmalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
- Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
- Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.
Residents of Waiʻōhinu and Nāʻālehu who prefer to leave the Nāʻālehu area and shelter at the Herkes Gym in Pāhala, at 6 p.m. today the county will provide free shuttle bus service from Nāʻālehu to Pāhala.
Make sure to bring personal items for you and your family, including pets, that you need overnight and possibly longer.
“We all know how easily Highway 11 can become flooded and isolate communities in Kaʻū,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Because of the possibility of hurricane force winds, the shelter at Robert N. Herkes Gym in Pāhala is strongly encouraged for Kaʻū residents. If you are in Nāʻālehu and plan to use the shelter in Pāhala, please do so before flooding starts.”
Hawai‘i County urges residents and visitors to complete preparations now for the arrival of Nolo, which is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane as it nears Hawaiʻi Island.
The storm brings the possibility of life-threatening flooding and damaging winds — possibly of hurricane strength — through Saturday.
“We want to make sure everybody is safe, so if your home flooded before or is at risk, consider moving to safer shelter before the full force of the storm hits,” Alameda said. “Because the ground remains saturated, flooding may happen rapidly and our crews and contractors have been working hard to make sure all drainage areas are open prior to the storm. If you have not done so already, use this time to prepare — remove debris around your home that could block drainage areas, get your emergency kit ready and check on your neighbors, especially kūpuna, who may need assistance.”
Take this time to secure outdoor items and property for possible hurricane force wind and dangerous flooding conditions.
Sand piles are available around the island for residents who need sand bags. You need to supply your own sand bags.
Refer to the county Department of Public Works website for sand pile locations.
Nolo as of 11 a.m. Wednesday was 310 miles south of South Point with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm is expected to continue to strengthen and National Weather Service issued a hurricane watch for Hawaiʻi Island.
Nolo could become a major Category 3 hurricane by this weekend with sustained winds of more than 111 mph, creating the risks of storm surge, major wind damage, long power outages and life-threatening flooding.
Onset of damaging tropical storm force winds are forecast as early as Friday morning, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible by Friday night. Hurricane force winds of 74 mph or stronger are possible within the next 48 hours.
Flooding is possible around the county, with windward areas forecast to see rainfall between 10 and 30 inches from today through Sunday morning.
Closures and cancellations
- Hawai‘i County Fire Commission meetings scheduled Thursday and Friday are canceled. New dates will be announced.
General safety information
- Know the areas prone to flooding, especially near your home, and use extra caution around them. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it’s not raining where you are.
- Be prepared for road closures and extended power outages.
- Never try to cross moving water on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Monitor local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and potential hazards.
- Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents and other necessities for members of your household, including pets, if you need to leave in a hurry.
- Check the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that could block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.
- Check in with neighbors, especially those who might have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.
Stay Informed
Sign up for Civil Defense emergency alerts here, and pay attention to the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map.
