HONOLULU (KHON2) — County agencies, first responders and more are battling the effects of a “potent” storm system, overcoming downed trees, power outages and more.
Rain and strong winds slammed into Maui on Thursday, Jan. 30 afternoon. Residents are advised to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Stay out of flood-prone areas. Do not try and drive through a flooded area, start charging your devices. Be ready to be evacuated from these flood-prone areas, and prepare your families,” said Amos Lonokailua-Hewett, MEMA Administrator.
Lonokailua-Hewett said leeward areas will see the most impacts. The County has been preparing by clearing streams and preparing shelters.
Maui County partnered with Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center to provide emergency shelter. The center is limited to 20 to 30 individuals.
South, West, East and Upcountry Maui residents can find refuge at Kīhei Community Center, Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall, Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center and Hāna High and Elementary School.
Residents on Hawaii Island should expect to see peak impacts through Friday evening, with conditions set to improve by Saturday morning.
Hawaii Island Mayor Kimo Alameda signed an emergency proclamation for the County to “streamline its response and coordinate resources as heavy rainfall and high winds are expected.”
Big Island has also opened the following shelters:
- Waimea Community Center
- Nāʻālehu Community Center
- Robert N. Herkes Gym
- Yano Hall
- Kekuaokalani Gym
- Keaʻau Armory
- Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility
“We urge our residents to stay prepared and take extra precaution as severe weather moves across the island,” Mayor Alameda said. “Crews are working hard to ensure roadways are clear and to restore power to traffic intersections.”
On Oahu, KHON2 found challenges driving through the Windward side as the storm knocked out power to some areas including the intersection at Likelike and Kamehameha causing some traffic but no major incidents.
Down the road, cars lined up to pick up students at Saint Mark’s Lutheran School after its power was knocked out.
“Right now it’s not that bad, I thought you know we might escape most of it,” said Bill Paupe, parent. “Wasn’t raining most of the day but yeah. The last couple of hours it started raining but it let up. Hoping this is like the worst of it.”
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The Waikane Stream is notorious for flooding anytime it rains and the stream has risen enough to touch the bridge. The bad news — forecasters are predicting more rain to come.
“Are you happy to go home? yup,” said Coen Paupe.