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The Maui County Department of Agriculture is urging ranchers, farmers and other producers to complete preparations for Tropical Storm Lala, which is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before affecting Hawaii Island as early as Saturday.
The storm could bring dangerous winds, heavy rain, flooding and large waves to Hawaii Island, Maui County and other islands this weekend. Maui and Hawaii Island could receive 5 to 10 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
A combination of storm surge and tides also could flood normally dry coastal areas.
The Department of Agriculture recommends the following preparations:
• Livestock and animal safety: Move animals to pastures on higher ground or other secure locations as early as possible, preferably 72 hours before the storm. Do not lock livestock in buildings vulnerable to collapse or flooding. Verify livestock identification, including tags, brands and microchips, and stockpile one to two weeks of feed, water and essential medications.
• Farm infrastructure and equipment: Test generators, fill fuel tanks and disconnect electricity to nonessential equipment. Secure greenhouses, barns and trailers. Move loose tools, irrigation lines and chemicals to higher ground. Fill empty water tanks to weigh them down.
• Records and emergency contacts: Take photographs and videos documenting farm conditions before the storm, update asset inventories and compile an emergency contact list that includes veterinarians, employees and utility providers. Store insurance and financial records in waterproof containers or upload them to cloud storage for possible disaster-relief claims.
For more information, call the Department of Agriculture at 808-270-8276 or email agriculture@mauicounty.gov. Recovery resources are available at mauicounty.gov/agriculture under "Get Disaster Support."
Weather updates are available from the National Weather Service in Honolulu at weather.gov/hfo. Residents can register for Genasys Protect and Maui Emergency Management Agency alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.