In coordination with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and Maui County Department of Human Concerns, the American Red Cross will open shelters at Maui County Kaunakakai Gym on Molokai, Lahaina Civic Center in West Maui and South Maui Community Park gym at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12.

The National Weather Service has forecast the storm will intensify Thursday and into Friday.

Shelters will provide cots, food and water. Bring bedding, along with essential supplies and medications. Pets are permitted if they are in crates.

Shelter locations are:

• Kaunakakai Gym: 180 Ala Malama Ave., Kaunakakai, Molokai

• Lahaina Civic Center: 1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway, Lahaina

• South Maui Community Park gym: 1501 Liloa Drive, Kihei

While no evacuation orders are currently in place, the shelters will be opened proactively to provide a safe space for residents and visitors should conditions worsen.

The duration of the shelters will depend on the severity of the weather.

Additional sites will open if further needs arise, according to MEMA.

A strong, prolonged Kona storm is bringing periods of heavy rain and flash flooding to Maui County and the rest of the state. Maui County remains under NWS flood and high wind watches through Saturday afternoon and evening. A high wind warning goes into effect at 6 p.m. Thursday night through 6 a.m. Sunday.

Several NWS flood advisories for Maui and Molokai have been posted.

For the latest information, visit NWS at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/ and subscribe to MEMA alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.