A powerful storm has prompted unprecedented closures across the Hawaiian Islands, with all non-essential state and county offices, public schools, and the University of Hawaiʻi system shuttered on Monday. The closures come as intense winds and rain batter the state, and conditions are expected to worsen before improving on Tuesday.
Hawaiʻi DOE Schools Close
All public school campuses statewide will be closed Monday, even those previously scheduled for a teacher professional development day. The Department of Education confirmed that campuses will not transition to online learning, and DOE offices will also be closed. Many private schools, including Kamehameha Schools, ʻIolani School, and Maui Preparatory Academy, have followed suit and announced closures.
Weather Forecast To Worsen
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and high wind warning for all main Hawaiian Islands, remaining in effect through Monday afternoon. Gusts have already exceeded 60 miles per hour, with Maui and Hawaiʻi island expected to experience the brunt of the storm’s impact. Rivers on the Big Island have already quadrupled in height in Kamuela and Hamakua, reaching 4 to 6 feet, according to NOAA maps.
People Warned To Stay Home
Governor Josh Green ordered the closure of the state “in an abundance of caution,” urging residents to stay home, even if it meant foregoing Super Bowl plans. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Big Island Mayor Kimo Alameda have also ordered the closure of non-essential county services. The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed all state parks and forest areas.
As of Sunday afternoon, approximately 12,700 people statewide were without power, with the majority of outages concentrated on Oʻahu in areas including Nānākuli, Makakilo, ʻAiea, Kalihi, Honolulu and Mānoa. About 160 people on Hawaiʻi island and 350 in Maui County were also affected. Hawaiian Electric Co. And Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative had taken steps to clear debris, and crews had restored power to 45,000 customers in the previous 24 hours.
The Hawaiʻi National Guard has been activated and is prepared to deliver supplies or facilitate evacuations with high-wheel vehicles. Emergency shelters have opened on the Big Island, and are on standby on Kauaʻi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is closed on Monday?
Public schools and libraries, the Legislature, courts, and all non-essential state and county offices are closed on Monday.
Which islands are expected to be most affected?
Maui and Hawaiʻi island are expected to bear the brunt of the heavy rain and wind, according to the National Weather Service.
Where can I find more information about emergency preparedness?
Guidance on preparing for severe weather and disasters is available at ready.hawaii.gov, and alerts can be signed up for from county emergency management agencies.
As the storm continues to develop, how will residents balance the necessitate for safety with the desire to maintain some normalcy during planned events like the Super Bowl?
