County officials prepare as Moke moves toward Hawaii
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Maui County workers are preparing for Tropical Storm Moke, even as recovery efforts from last weekend's storm are still underway.
Tropical Storm Lala hit the Hawaiian Islands last weekend. With a new storm approaching, emergency management officials are calling on people to stay prepared, especially since this is predicted to be an above-normal hurricane season.
The latest information from the National Weather Service indicates Tropical Storm Moke is forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands late this weekend into Monday. Maui County could experience increased winds and heavy rainfall.
"Recent impacts from Tropical Storm Lala mean that even light to moderate rain and wind could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, roadway issues and power outages," Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in a news release. "County departments have been preparing for Tropical Storm Moke, and we're asking our community to do the same."
The mayor urged residents to secure their property and make sure their home is stocked up on food, water, supplies and medications. Bissen also asked people to check on kūpuna, neighbors and loved ones.
"Our county teams are positioned and ready to respond if needed," Bissen said.
According to the NWS, Tropical Storm Moke could bring 2 to 4 inches of rain to Maui's windward side Saturday through Monday night, with locally higher amounts. The risk of flash flooding will increase Sunday and Monday.
"Our focus remains on maintaining situational awareness, coordinating closely with our partners and taking the necessary preparation steps to protect our communities. We are also closely monitoring vulnerable areas and infrastructure that may be affected," Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said.
MEMA said the agency has been coordinating with other county departments, as well as state and nongovernment partners, to prepare for potential storm impacts.
According to MEMA, the agency, American Red Cross and other partners have been working to identify shelters that can be opened in potentially vulnerable areas.
The Maui Police Department is also increasing staffing, and all of the stations' generators have been tested. The public should anticipate longer response times for nonemergency calls. Calls regarding matters of public safety will be prioritized during the storm.
Public Works crews have fueled up storm-response equipment, while inspecting and cleaning drainage and flood control infrastructure. Traffic control devices and equipment have been prepositioned throughout the county for deployment if needed.
The Department of Water Supply is repairing water infrastructure damaged last weekend by Tropical Storm Lala while prepping all system infrastructure sites that could potentially be affected by the approaching storm.
Residents are encouraged to:
• Review or update a family emergency plan.
• Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
• Prepare an emergency go bag with essential items to take if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Secure important documents and know your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
• Prepare your home by securing outdoor items, protecting windows if needed, and ensuring it is ready to withstand possible extended power outages.
• Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications by visiting mauicounty.gov/MEMA.
• For more information, visit NWS in Honolulu at weather.gov/hfo.