County of Maui officials are urging residents to prepare for a potential tropical storm that could approach the Hawaiian Islands as early as Friday night. The system, currently located east-southeast of the state, has a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next week, according to the National Weather Service.
It could strengthen into a tropical depression, tropical storm, or even a hurricane, bringing significant wind, heavy rain, flooding and large waves. While the track and intensity remain uncertain, forecasters say Hawai’i island and Maui County currently face the highest potential for heavy rainfall.
“With a potential tropical storm heading toward Maui County in the coming days, now is the time to get ready,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Preparedness is a kākou effort — we encourage everyone to take steps to protect their families, pets, homes and neighbors, and to check in on vulnerable community members, including kūpuna, individuals with disabilities and our unsheltered ‘ohana.”
“With guidance from the National Weather Service, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been coordinating with other County of Maui departments, as well as state and nongovernmental partners, to prepare for potential tropical storm impacts,” said Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett. He added, “Officials statewide are urging everyone to get prepared well before this system intensifies. Taking small steps now can make a significant difference.”
Trade winds will continue through the next few days, strengthening Thursday into Friday. Mostly dry conditions are expected through Friday, but severe weather is possible over the weekend. Conditions will vary from island to island, so residents should be prepared for strong winds, heavy rain, and large, life-threatening surf along east and southeast shores through Sunday. A near-advisory south swell builds today, and an east swell from the developing cyclone is expected Friday with possible warning-level surf.
No watches or warnings are currently in effect for Maui County, but that could change as soon as Thursday, according to NWS. “Heavy rain can quickly create dangerous conditions in our streams, roads and steep areas,” Lonokailua-Hewett said. “So we need everyone to understand the risks where they live and know what they will do if conditions change.” Residents are encouraged to subscribe to Genasys and MEMA alerts for updates.
