Maui County urges preparations as Tropical Storm Nolo strengthens
Trending
Maui County officials are urging residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding as Tropical Storm Nolo strengthens south of Hawaii.
A flood watch went into effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe Wednesday and will remain active through Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nolo had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was about 310 miles south of South Point on Hawaii island and 500 miles south-southeast of Honolulu. The slow-moving storm was heading west-northwest at 6 mph.
The exact path was uncertain Wednesday, but forecasters expect Nolo to turn north today and strengthen into a hurricane. The latest forecast calls for the storm to turn west Friday night and pass south of Hawaii Island.
A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island. Heavy rain was expected to develop over Hawaii island later Wednesday and spread to Maui. Windward Maui is among the areas most likely to receive heavy rainfall, with the NWS forecasting 8 to 15 inches for East Maui.
Significant rainfall is possible across windward portions of Maui County through the weekend, and a change in Nolo's track could increase flooding risks elsewhere, forecasters said.
The flood watch means flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. Streams and drainages could overflow, roads may close and runoff could damage property in urban and low-lying areas. Landslides are also possible in steep terrain.
Wind and surf impacts are expected to increase later in the week.
"We are closely monitoring this latest tropical system, and our emergency management teams are preparing for the possibility of impacts to Maui County," Mayor Richard Bissen said. "While it is still too early to know exactly what conditions we may see, now is the time for residents and visitors to take simple steps to be prepared."
Bissen urged residents and visitors to monitor official updates, secure loose outdoor items, prepare food, water and medications and know where they would go if ordered to evacuate.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency and other county departments are coordinating preparations with state agencies, private organizations and nonprofit partners.
"Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are our main concerns at this time -- but we need everyone to understand the importance to be prepared and stay updated," MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. "A storm brings the possibility of extended power outages, so make sure you have a backup plan for possible food loss, water interruptions and loss of internet service."
The county recommends that households stock at least 14 days of food, water, medications and other essential supplies. Residents should also review family emergency plans, secure important documents, prepare for extended power outages and identify evacuation zones if they live in coastal or flood-prone areas.
Residents can register for MEMA alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.