HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is urging residents and visitors to complete storm preparations now after the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Oʻahu Friday evening as Tropical Storm Lala continues to approach the Hawaiian Islands.
A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected within the warning area, generally within 36 hours or less.
The upgrade from a Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning represents an increased threat to Oʻahu. Residents and visitors should finish securing their homes and property, make sure they have necessary medications and emergency supplies, charge phones and backup batteries, and prepare for strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and dangerous ocean conditions this weekend.
The City and County of Honolulu’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Honolulu Police Department’s Joint Operations Center (JOC) have been fully operational since 7 a.m. Friday, bringing together City departments, first responder agencies and emergency management personnel to coordinate operations, monitor conditions across Oʻahu and deploy resources as needed.
Eight hurricane refuge areas will open at 8 a.m. Saturday at Blanche Pope Elementary School, Castle High School, Kahuku Elementary School, Kapolei High School, Mililani High School, Moanalua High School, Roosevelt and Nānākuli Elementary School. The refuge areas are open to residents and visitors and are pet-friendly.
Residents should closely monitor official information from the National Weather Service, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the City and County of Honolulu and be prepared to act as conditions change.
The City will provide its next update at 10 a.m. Saturday, or sooner if conditions warrant.
—PAU—
