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Hawaii County Civil Defense Messages

This is a Civil Defense hurricane update for 11 p.m., Thursday, August 23, 2018.

The Hawaii Police Department reports that flooding on Kaiulani Street on Reeds Island has prompted the voluntary evacuation of residents. Kaiulani Street is closed until further notice. Police and Fire personnel are going house to house informing residents of severe flooding and recommending evacuation. If residents do not evacuate, first responders may not be able to reach them if the situation becomes too hazardous.

The Red Cross Shelter at Waiakea High School is open to anyone that wants to evacuate. If you choose to do so, use extreme caution traveling to the shelter. If you choose to relocate to a shelter, food is not provided. Please bring your blankets and pillows if possible. However, the shelter is open to everyone with or without these items. These storm conditions are extremely dangerous and people are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and to be prepared.

• For your information, Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200/Saddle Road) is closed at the 10.5-mile marker due to a landslide. The road will be closed for several hours as crews work to remove the debris.
• The Hawaii Police Department advises you to avoid the Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) at the 13-mile marker, Kohala side of the Kohala Ranch Road. A large ironwood tree is blocking the roadway and will require a detour of traffic until about 7 a.m. Friday (Aug 24). Please use Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270) as an alternate route.

Due to Hurricane Lane, the following policies are in effect:

• Mail delivery has been canceled and all post offices will be closed on Friday.
• All non-emergency County operations are suspended, including transfer stations.
• All County Parks are closed through Friday and will be re-assessed for weekend use. All pavilion and camping permits for these parks have been canceled.
• All State facilities and services are closed.
• All DLNR outdoor recreation areas and reserves are closed.
• Numerous major and secondary roads are closed. Due to the extreme hazards created from the heavy rain, stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. The latest road closures can be found here: http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts.

The Hawaii State Department of Health is advising the public to stay out of streams, coastal, and standing waters that are contaminated by stormwater. Stormwater may contain harmful micro-organisms from overflowing cesspools or septic tanks as well as animal waste washed into streams and storm drains.

Conditions are being monitored and you will be kept informed of major closures as best as possible. All motorists and residents of affected areas are urged to use extreme caution and be aware of flooding conditions. This is a very dangerous situation and heavy rains are expected to continue on the windward side of the Big Island.

For a list of Red Cross shelters open on Hawaii Island visit https://hawaii247.com/?p=134277

Thank you and please be safe. This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.

National Weather Service Statement on Hurricane Lane

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for…

• Oahu
• Maui County…including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…

• Hawaii County

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for…

• Kauai County…including the islands of Kauai and Niihau

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.

Interests in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Hurricane Lane.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by the National Weather Service office in Honolulu Hawaii.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
———————-
At 11 p.m. HST (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Lane was located near latitude 18.2 North, longitude 158.0 West. Lane is moving toward the north near 6 mph (9 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through Friday. A turn toward the west is anticipated Saturday, with an increase in forward speed. On the latest forecast track, the center of Lane will move over, or dangerously close to portions of the main Hawaiian islands late Friday and Friday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Lane remains a powerful category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some weakening is forecast from Friday through late Saturday, but Lane is expected to remain a hurricane as it approaches the islands.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 956 mb (28.23 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
———————-
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are already occurring on the Big Island, Maui County and Oahu. These conditions will likely persist through early Friday morning. Hurricane conditions are expected over some areas of Maui County and Oahu starting Friday and continuing through Friday night. Tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible on Kauai starting late Friday or Friday night.

RAINFALL: Rain bands will continue to overspread the Hawaiian Islands well ahead of Lane. Excessive rainfall associated with this slow moving hurricane will continue to impact the Hawaiian Islands into the weekend, leading to significant and life-threatening flash flooding and landslides. Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with localized amounts of 30 to 40 inches possible over portions of the Hawaiian Islands. Over two feet of rain has already fallen at a few locations on the windward side of the Big Island.

SURF: Very large swells generated by the slow moving hurricane will severely impact the Hawaiian Islands over the next couple of days. These swells will produce extremely large and damaging surf along exposed west and south facing shorelines. A prolonged period of high surf will likely lead to significant coastal erosion.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and large breaking waves will raise water levels by as much as 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels along south and west facing shores near the center of Lane. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

KEY MESSAGES:

1. It is vital that you do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of Lane, and remain prepared for adjustments to the forecast. Although the official forecast does not explicitly indicate Lane’s center making landfall over any of the islands, this remains a very real possibility. Even if the center of Lane remains offshore, severe impacts could still be realized as they extend well away from the center.

2. Lane will pass dangerously close to the main Hawaiian Islands as a hurricane on Friday, and is expected to bring damaging winds. Terrain effects can cause strong localized acceleration of the wind through gaps and where winds blow downslope. These acceleration areas will shift with time as Lane passes near or over the islands. Winds will also be stronger at the upper floors of high rise buildings.

3. The slow movement of Lane also greatly increases the threat for prolonged heavy rainfall and extreme rainfall totals. This is expected to lead to major, life-threatening flash flooding and landslides over all Hawaiian Islands.

4. Large and damaging surf can be expected along exposed shorelines, especially along south and west facing coasts, with localized storm surge exacerbating the impacts of a prolonged period of damaging surf. This could lead to severe beach erosion.

A color enhanced infrared GOES-West satellite time-lapse movie of the Central Pacific August 16-23, 2018. Two hurricanes within a week in the Central Pacific.

Public should prepare for Tropical Cyclone Lane

HONOLULU — HI-EMA recommends residents and visitors take the following actions to prepare for any possible hurricane or tropical cyclone:

• Prepare an “emergency kit” of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies.
• Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding of what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family plans to shelter in place or evacuate.
• Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps.
• Stay tuned to local media and their websites/applications regarding weather updates.
• Sign up for local notification systems (i.e., HNL.Info).
• Get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other.
• Walk your property and check for potential flood threats. Clear your gutters and other drainage systems. Remove and secure loose items. Keep your car gas tanks filled.
• Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don’t forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members.
• Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.
• Secure your important documents in protective containers.
• Visitors should download GoHawaii App and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at http://www.travelsmarthawaii.com.
• Build an emergency kit – now.