Hurricane expected to bring rain to Maui, Hawaii island
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The Maui News
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency activated the State Emergency Operations Center Thursday morning to monitor Hurricane Darby after the weakening storm system crossed into the Central Pacific overnight, the agency announced.
The activation to Level 3, one step above normal operations, provides additional resources to plan for potential impacts and coordinate with Hawaii's counties and other partners if they need support to cope with any consequences from the storm. Darby was about 780 miles east of Hilo at 5 p.m. Thursday and showing sustained winds of 90 mph as it moved over cooler waters, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
"While the National Weather Service expects Darby to weaken and pass to our south this weekend, the remains of the tropical system could still bring several inches of rain and locally strong winds to the Big Island and Maui by Saturday," said Luke Meyers, administrator of HI-EMA. "When you combine those potential impacts with the high surf we expect this weekend, we want to make sure we're ready for anything, just in case."
Darby provides a reminder that hurricane season can threaten the state even if a storm passes well offshore, with wind, coastal waves and local flooding of roads and low-lying areas all possible, a HI-EMA news release said.
The agency recommends:
• Checking the places where you live, work and play for potential hazards, such as blocked drainage or tree limbs that could blow through a window or roof.
• Topping up the fuel tank and charge mobile phones, in case power fails or you need to move someplace safer.
• Making sure you have water and food supplies, necessary medicine, masks and sanitizer, battery-powered radio and other emergency supplies. HI-EMA recommends that residents are prepared for two weeks, but even a few days' worth makes you more prepared. Don't forget about supplies for pets.
• Making an emergency plan with your family -- and practicing it.
If Darby does bring extreme conditions, avoid driving into water if there's local flooding.
The activation of the State Emergency Operations Center is coincidentally happening at the same time as a previously scheduled emergency preparedness exercise on Saturday involving Hawaii amateur radio operators. Residents who hear radio traffic about a simulated emergency on Saturday should not confuse this with a real emergency, which would be communicated through multiple channels, including the HI-EMA Twitter feed at @Hawaii_EMA and messages to local media.