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Maui County departments are preparing for possible impacts from Hurricane Lowell and Hurricane Karina while continuing to respond to damage caused by Tropical Storm Lala, county officials said Thursday.
Gov. Josh Green also signed a statewide emergency proclamation Thursday to support preparations for Lowell, Karina, Marie and any additional storms that could affect Hawaii.
The proclamation allows state and county agencies to mobilize personnel, equipment and resources more quickly.
Wind and high surf were expected to be the primary effects from Lowell in Maui County. However, National Weather Service officials cautioned that interactions among multiple weather systems were creating greater uncertainty in the forecasts.
"After the recent impacts from Tropical Storm Lala, even light to moderate rain and winds could lead to flooding, debris, downed trees, road issues and power outages," Mayor Richard Bissen said. "We know our community has been through a lot, and many are still recovering. Our County teams are prepared and ready to respond, and we're asking our community to stay alert, take precautions and be prepared."
A wind advisory is in effect for portions of Maui County and Hawaii Island through 6 a.m. Friday, with gusts of up to 55 mph possible. A high surf advisory is in effect for south- and southeast-facing shores through Thursday night.
Lowell was about 450 miles south of Hilo on Thursday morning and had weakened to a Category 4 hurricane. The storm was expected to remain a major hurricane for several days before turning north. Forecasts at the time showed Lowell approaching Kauai as a Category 3 hurricane later next week.
Hurricane Marie is swirling outside of Baja California and is not expected to pose a threat to Hawaii.
Lowell could bring lingering rain to the Hawaiian Islands starting Sunday and continuing into early next week. Forecasts for rainfall amounts were expected to become clearer within 24 to 48 hours.
Maui County officials said the Maui Emergency Management Agency has been coordinating with county departments and state and nongovernmental partners to prepare for potential impacts. MEMA also has been working with the American Red Cross and other organizations to identify shelters that could be opened in vulnerable areas if evacuations become necessary.
Maui County Public Works crews were fueling storm-response equipment and preparing to position equipment and personnel if conditions intensified. The Maui County departments of Water Supply and Environmental Management were topping off permanent and portable generators, refueling vehicles daily and placing crews on standby.
At the state level, six high-water vehicles were being sent to Kauai, and Hawaii National Guard members were to be activated in advance of potential storm impacts.
"Our state is still recovering from Lala, and we are not waiting for another storm to get close before preparing," Green said. "This proclamation gives our agencies and counties the flexibility to move people, equipment and resources quickly so we can protect communities across every island."
The proclamation authorizes the activation of Hawaii National Guard units as needed and activates the state's Major Disaster Fund. It also suspends the fund's normal $10 million spending limit for a single emergency and temporarily streamlines government procedures when normal requirements would delay emergency work.
The proclamation does not order evacuations, impose a curfew or close schools, businesses or government offices. Such actions would be announced separately by the appropriate authorities. The emergency relief period is scheduled to continue through Nov. 1 unless it is ended or superseded earlier.
Residents are being 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.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration earlier this year forecasted an above-normal hurricane season for the Central Pacific, increasing the potential for tropical systems to affect Hawaii. Hurricane season lasts through November.