Tropical storm warning issued for Maui County as Lala approaches
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A tropical storm warning has been issued for Maui County as Tropical Storm Lala approaches the state, with forecasters warning that heavy rain, damaging winds and dangerous surf could affect the county beginning Saturday.
As of 11 a.m. Friday, Lala was near latitude 17.2 north and longitude 150.9 west, moving west-northwest at 14 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before passing near the southern end of Hawaii Island on Saturday.
The center of the storm is expected to remain south of the smaller islands, but forecasters emphasized that its effects can extend well beyond its center.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii Island, while the tropical storm warning covers Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoʻolawe and surrounding waters. Tropical storm-force winds range from 39 to 73 mph.
Tropical storm-force winds are expected to reach Maui County by Saturday morning. Localized areas of stronger and potentially damaging winds are possible near mountainous terrain, according to the NWS.
The latest forecast for Maui County on Saturday calls for 8 to 12 inches of rain across windward Maui, with higher totals possible. Other areas could receive up to 8 inches.
Flash flooding and rapidly rising streams are possible, particularly if heavy rain remains over the same areas. Leeward communities also face a significant flood risk, forecasters said.
A flood watch is in effect for Maui and Hawaii counties from 6 p.m. Friday through late Saturday night. Heavy rain could continue into Monday in some areas.
Very large and rough surf is expected to build rapidly along exposed east- and southeast-facing shores Saturday and Sunday. A high surf warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday for portions of Maui, including Kipahulu, windward West Maui, South Haleakala and windward Haleakala.
County preparations
The Maui Emergency Management Agency has been coordinating with county departments and state and nongovernmental partners ahead of the storm.
The Maui Police Department is increasing staffing in all districts, and generators have been tested at police stations. Police warned that response times could be longer for nonemergency calls and calls involving incidents that are not in progress because public-safety emergencies will be prioritized.
Residents who need emergency evacuation should call 911. If traffic signals stop working or malfunction, motorists should treat affected intersections as four-way stops.
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.
Material also has been removed from the Wailuku River debris basin as a safety precaution. The material remains intact and is being stored at a county facility in Waikapu. It can be returned to the watershed after the storm, according to the county.
The departments of Water Supply and Environmental Management are preparing infrastructure that could be affected. Crews are filling permanent and portable generators with fuel, refueling vehicles daily and establishing standby response crews.
The county Department of Agriculture also has urged farmers, ranchers and other producers to move livestock to higher ground or other secure locations, stockpile feed and water, secure equipment and document pre-storm conditions for possible insurance or disaster-relief claims.
Utility preparations
Hawaiian Electric said it has activated its emergency response plan, with more than 500 employees, contractors and support workers positioned across the state for damage assessments and power restoration.
The company cautioned that restoration work will begin only when conditions are safe for crews. High winds, flooding, lightning, fallen trees and other hazards could delay damage assessments and repairs.
Customers who rely on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment should confirm that backup facilities are available and determine where they will go if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Portable generators should be operated outside in well-ventilated areas and according to manufacturers' instructions. Ladders, scaffolds and tools should remain at least 10 feet from power lines.
Residents urged to prepare
Maui County officials advised residents to review or update their family emergency plans.
People are also being urged to assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
Other measures include preparing an emergency go bag in case evacuation becomes necessary, securing outdoor items and important documents, and knowing evacuation zones if someone lives in coastal or flood-prone areas.
Prepare for possible extended power outages.
Weather updates and current watches and warnings 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.