Maui County officials are opening additional emergency shelters in preparation of potential impacts from a low-pressure storm that is moving across Hawaii.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands through Friday afternoon.

Shelters offer cots at select locations as well as food and water. People with dietary needs should bring their own food.

People who seek shelter can also bring their own bedding, essential supplies and medications. Pets are allowed only if crated, caged or leashed.

The amount of time the shelter stays open will depend on weather conditions.

The Maui County Department of Transportation, in partnership with Maui Economic Opportunity, is offering same-day paratransit reservations to select shelters. For paratransit information or reservations, call (808) 877-7651 from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Shelters will open at 5 p.m. at the following locations:

• WEST MAUI: Lahaina Civic Center social hall, 1840 Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina

• EAST MAUI: Helene Hall, 174 Keawa Place, Hana

• UPCOUNTRY: Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center social hall, 91 Pukalani St., Pukalani

• MOLOKAI: Molokai shelter support is available as needed; call (808) 280-8968

• SOUTH MAUI (opened Wednesday): South Maui Community Park Gym, 1501 Liloa Drive, Kihei

WATER CONSERVATION ADVISORY

The Department of Water Supply (DWS) advises residents and visitors on Maui and Molokai to conserve water as a precaution during this severe weather event. Residents are encouraged to fill clean containers with water for essential use if necessary.

Limiting nonessential water use will help maintain reliable water service in the event of power or electronic disruptions or additional storm-related damage. The water conservation advisory expires at the end of the NWS flood watch.

Sign up for DWS News Flash notifications at www.mauicounty.gov/list.aspx.

ROADWAY ADVISORIES

Drivers should treat any traffic light that is out or malfunctioning as a four-way stop. Do not attempt to travel through moving water.

ROAD CLOSURES

For updates on County of Maui road closures, go to www.mauicounty.gov/roadclosures or download the Genasys Protect app at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

COUNTY RESPONSE

Mayor Richard Bissen signed an emergency proclamation that gives the county access state and federal assistance and streamlines procedures to deploy resources, personnel and services if needed.

County Emergency Operations Center went into activation Wednesday.

Emergency departments have been preparing for and responding to this storm while conducting emergency repairs from recent storms.

Other County preparations include:

• Maui Police Department is increasing staffing for all districts to prepare for the storm; all stations tested generators to ensure they are operable. The public should anticipate longer response times for nonemergency calls. Also, crimes committed during an emergency proclamation have enhanced penalties.

• Department of Public Works has been removing debris from roadways and storm drains to recover capacity of the drainage systems; implementing emergency protective measures to stabilize damaged infrastructure; completed assessments of all flood control systems to ensure they are in good condition; checked that all storm-response equipment has been fueled and tested; positioned traffic-control devices for deployment if needed.

• DWS and Department of Environmental Management are prepping all system infrastructure sites that could potentially be affected by the approaching storm. DWS and DEM are checking and topping off fuel in all permanent and portable generators. All vehicles are being refueled daily in anticipation of the storm. Standby crews have been set up for response.

MORE INFORMATION

For the latest information, visit NWS in Honolulu at www.weather.gov/hfo/ and subscribe to Genasys Protect and MEMA alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.