Tropical Storm Lala could bring heavy rain, flooding to Maui County. Don’t wait to prepare, county officials say
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Maui County officials are preparing for possible impacts from Tropical Storm Lala and urging residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions this weekend.
Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves west-northwest toward the Hawaiian Islands, according to the National Weather Service. A hurricane watch is in effect for Hawaii Island, where impacts are expected by early Saturday.
Maui County is not under a storm watch, but tropical storm-force winds extend up to 205 miles from the storm's center, and heavy rain is anticipated for Maui.
"The main concern is flash flooding and water rising in flood-prone places, especially vulnerable areas that were hit by Kona low storms earlier this year," Mayor Richard Bissen said in a news release.
Bissen urged residents to secure their property, make sure they have enough food, water, supplies and medications, and check on kūpuna, neighbors and loved ones.
"Our county teams are positioned and ready to respond if needed, but readiness is a kākou effort -- we are all responsible for looking out for one another," he said.
Lala is expected to bring 5 to 10 inches of rain across Maui and Hawaii Island, according to the NWS. A combination of storm surge and tides also could flood normally dry areas near the coast.
"Going into the weekend, Lala is strengthening, and we need people to prepare now for the potential of dangerous winds, heavy rain, flooding and large waves," Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said.
He added that residents should not wait for the forecast to become certain before preparing. He advised residents to secure their property, review emergency plans and make sure they have the supplies needed to get through the weekend safely.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency has been coordinating preparations with other county departments and state and nongovernmental partners.
The Maui Police Department is increasing staffing in all districts. Police also tested generators at all stations to ensure they are working.
Police advised residents to expect longer response times for nonemergency calls. Calls involving public safety emergencies will be prioritized over incidents that are not in progress during the storm. Anyone needing emergency evacuation should call 911.
Police also advised motorists to treat intersections as four-way stops if traffic signals stop working or malfunction. Crimes committed during an emergency proclamation carry enhanced penalties.
The emergency management agency has been working with the American Red Cross and other partners to identify shelters that could open in vulnerable areas if evacuations become necessary.
Department of Public Works crews have fueled storm-response equipment, inspected and cleaned drainage and flood-control infrastructure, and positioned traffic-control devices and equipment for possible deployment. Preparations have been made in Lahaina, Wailuku, Makawao and Hana, as well as on Molokai and Lanai, according to the county.
The departments of Water Supply and Environmental Management are preparing infrastructure sites that could be affected by the storm. Crews are checking and filling permanent and portable generators with fuel, refueling vehicles daily and establishing standby response crews.
County officials advised residents to:
• Review or update their family emergency plans.
• Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and other essential items to last at least 14 days.
• Prepare an emergency go bag containing essential items in case evacuation becomes necessary.
• Secure important documents and know their evacuation zones if they live in coastal or flood-prone areas.
• Secure outdoor items, protect windows if necessary and prepare for possible extended power outages.
Residents can sign up for Maui Emergency Management Agency alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications at mauicounty.gov/MEMA. Updates from the National Weather Service in Honolulu are available at weather.gov/hfo.