Mayor Alameda Signs Emergency Proclamation
Mayor Alameda Signs Emergency Proclamation
Mayor Kimo Alameda signed an emergency proclamation Thursday in anticipation of severe weather across Hawaiʻi Island. The proclamation allows the County to streamline its response and coordinate resources as heavy rainfall and high winds are expected.
“We urge our residents to stay prepared and take extra precaution as severe weather moves across the island,” Alameda said. “Crews are working hard to ensure roadways are clear and to restore power to traffic intersections. We ask residents to remain off roadways if possible as weather conditions worsen and to stay connected to our emergency notifications.”
Emergency Shelters
Seven emergency shelters are currently open, with a total of 11 available. Additional shelters will be opened and staffed as needed. Shelters are open at:
- Waimea Community Center
- Nāʻālehu Community Center
- Robert N. Herkes Gym
- Yano Hall
- Kekuaokalani Gym
- Keaʻau Armory
- Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility
Closed Facilities
The following County facilities are closed due to storm impacts:
- Mahukona Wharf
- Carvalho Park
- Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
- Keaʻau Armory (closed for normal daily activities; the facility remains open for a shelter services)
- Pāhoa Aquatic Center
Camping Closures: All County campsites are closed until further notice to ensure public safety.
The County Mass Transit Agency has announced that the following bus routes will be cancelled on Friday due to severe weather:
- Route 1 (to Kona): 9:30 a.m.
- Route 1 (to Hilo): 7:45 a.m.
- Route 2 (to Kona): 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m.
- Route 2 (to Hilo): 1:30 p.m.
- Route 10
- Route 60: 5:30 am
- Route 75 (Southbound): 6:15 a.m., 6:55 a.m., 1:45 p.m.
- Route 75 (Northbound): 7:10 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 2:45 p.m.
- Route 76 (Eastbound): 5:45 a.m., 6:45 a.m.
- Route 76 (Westbound): 6:30 a.m., 8:09 a.m.
- Route 80 (to South Kohala Resorts/Kona): 3:15 a.m., 3:35 a.m., 4:15 a.m., 5 a.m.
- Route 80 (to Hilo): 7:30 a.m., 1:55 p.m., 4 p.m., 4:35 p.m.
- Route 90 (to South Kohala Resorts): 3:30 a.m., 5:40 a.m., 8 a.m.
- Route 90 (to Oceanview): 7:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3 p.m.
All other routes are scheduled to operate as normal. Delays, re-routing, or cancellations may occur based on road conditions.
Storm Impacts & Timeline
- Peak Impacts: Thursday night through Friday morning, with conditions improving by Saturday morning.
- Heavy Rain & Flooding: Rapidly accumulating rainfall may cause flash flooding. Avoid flooded roadways—Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
- High Winds: Sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, particularly in higher elevations.
- Snow on Summits: Up to 2 feet of snow is expected at summit elevations.
- Severe Weather Potential: brief and weak tornadoes are possible with this system.
- Marine Hazards: The U.S. Coast Guard reminds boaters to secure their moorings and prepare for hazardous seas.
Safety & Emergency Response
- Downed Power Lines & Trees: Do not approach or attempt to move downed power lines. Assume they are live and report them immediately. Exercise caution with fallen trees and debris.
- Lightning Safety: When thunder roars, go indoors. Seek shelter immediately during thunderstorms.
- Travel Precautions: Travelers should check with their airlines and transportation providers for potential delays or cancellations.
Public Caution & Preparedness
Residents and visitors should take the following steps to stay safe:
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become airborne in high winds.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm impacts.
- Charge cell phones and keep flashlights and emergency supplies readily available.
- Stay informed through official updates from Civil Defense and the National Weather Service.
First Responder & Community Safety
Emergency personnel will be actively responding throughout the storm, and residents are urged to prioritize their safety by avoiding hazardous areas. If you encounter emergency responders or road crews, please allow them space to operate safely.
Stay Informed
The County will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents can receive emergency notifications by signing up for Civil Defense alerts at their website at hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/alerts.
The County of Hawaiʻi’s Hazard Impact Map is available at: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/5865229bcba74020992b372ef18b6f17.
For official updates, follow Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and the National Weather Service.
