The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for Hawaiʻi Island and tropical storm watch for Maui County as Tropical Storm Lala moves west towards the state.
The storm is forecast to turn into a hurricane by the time it reaches Hawaiʻi Island on Saturday. Heavy rain could hit the island as soon as Friday night, and dangerous conditions including high winds and surf may persist through the weekend as the storm passes south of the island chain.
Tropical Storm Lala is about 600 miles off the coast of Hilo. Gov. Josh Green has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm's arrival.
Several events scheduled across Hawaiʻi Island have been canceled or postponed, including the county's two-day agrifood summit. Camping permits are canceled for Friday and Saturday night, and county buses and paratransit vans will not run this weekend.
Most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will close midday on Friday, but Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano House and the A-frame cabins at Nāmakanipaio will remain open for registered guests.
Hawaiʻi Island public schools will be open on Friday, but campuses will close at 5:30 p.m. All campus activities and events scheduled for 5:30 p.m. or later are canceled.
Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda has urged residents to prepare for severe weather.
“This is a quickly evolving situation and we urge our residents to act now to prepare for the storm by checking your emergency supplies, securing your property, and contacting neighbors who may need assistance,” he said on Thursday.
Hawaiʻi County will open storm shelters at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14 at the following locations:
- Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaʻau.
- Waikoloa Elementary School cafeteria, 68-1730 Hoʻoko St., Waikoloa.
- Kahilu Theater, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Waimea
- Honokaʻa Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honokaʻa.
- Laupāhoehoe Public Charter School Band Room, 35-2605 Mamalahoa Highway, Laupāhoehoe.
- Waiākea High School Gym, 155 W. Kawili St., Hilo
- Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau.
- Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-2910 Kauhale St., Pāhoa.
- Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
- Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
- Kealakehe High School Gym, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua-Kona.
- Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.
Next to Big Island, Maui County faces some of the highest potential for heavy rain and strong winds. Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said conditions could quickly turn dangerous, especially on roads and near streams and steep areas.
"We need everyone to understand the risks where they live and know what they will do if conditions change,” he said.
Other county leaders have told their communities to take notice of storm conditions as well.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said on Thursday that emergency responders and city agencies were finishing their preparations for the storm.
"I am asking everyone on Oʻahu to do the same. Use today to finish what you need to do," he said.
Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami's office advised Kauaʻi residents that risk of the impending storm may build through the weekend and that county facilities and services could close with little to no notice.
Residents and visitors can sign up for emergency alerts here.
The City and County of Honolulu has canceled special Saturday hours on Aug. 15 for behind-the-wheel road tests and driver's license and state identification card renewals. All driver licensing centers and satellite city halls will be closed.
The storm is expected to cause dangerously high surf and rip currents statewide, particularly on south-facing shores. Duke's Waikiki has postponed their annual Ocean Mile Swim to Saturday, Aug. 22. As a precaution, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department plans to send out rescue operators to conduct additional patrols along the South Shore on Friday.
