City activates storm response as Hurricane Lowell approaches O‘ahu
HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu continues to coordinate preparedness and response efforts across Oʻahu as Hurricane Lowell moves closer to the Hawaiian Islands, with tropical-storm conditions expected on Oʻahu beginning this evening.
As of 5 p.m. Monday, Hurricane Lowell was located about 230 miles west-southwest of Honolulu with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. The storm was moving north-northeast at 18 mph.
Oʻahu remains under a Tropical Storm Warning. Lowell is forecast to remain a hurricane as it passes near the Hawaiian Islands tonight into early Tuesday, with the core expected to pass near or just west of Niʻihau.
For Oʻahu, the National Weather Service is forecasting 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated totals of up to 10 inches possible. Tropical-storm-force winds, flash flooding, damaging surf and dangerous ocean conditions are all possible tonight and into Tuesday. A few tornadoes are also possible across portions of the Hawaiian Islands.
The City’s Emergency Operations Center and Joint Operations Center at HPD are fully activated, and City departments and first responders are coordinating operations across the island.
City to activate call center at 7 p.m.
The City will activate its non-emergency call center at 7 p.m. today to provide residents and visitors with information and assistance related to Tropical Storm Lowell.
The public may call 768-CITY (2489) for information about storm conditions, Hurricane Refuge Areas, and other City services and resources.
The call center is for non-emergency information only. For emergencies, call 911.
Hurricane Refuge Area opens at Nānākuli Elementary
Nānākuli Elementary School, located at 89-778 Haleakala Avenue in Waiʻanae, will open as a Hurricane Refuge Area at 5 p.m. today for residents and visitors who need a safe place during the storm.
The refuge area is pet-friendly. Those seeking refuge should bring food, water, medications and other essential items whenever possible, along with necessary supplies for their pets.
Residents and visitors who need transportation may use TheBus Routes C or 40 and transfer to Route 403 at Nānākuli Avenue. Regular transit fares apply.
No evacuation orders are in place at this time. Residents should continue monitoring conditions and take action early if they feel unsafe or believe their home may not provide adequate protection.
Public Safety and Road Closures
The Honolulu Police Department has personnel and resources positioned to respond to storm-related impacts across Oʻahu.
In District 8, HPD closed the eastbound lanes of Farrington Highway in Mākaha due to high surf. Motorists are being detoured to Jade Street.
At 2 p.m., HPD’s Major Events Division activated the department’s Joint Operations Center to coordinate emergency response efforts. HPD is working with other City first responders to monitor conditions, share information, and position resources where needed.
In partnership with the Hawai‘i National Guard, HPD has also activated six high-water vehicle teams to stand by for deployment if conditions warrant.
Two vehicles are staged at Kalaeloa, one in Wahiawā, one in Pearl City and two in Kāneʻohe.
The National Guard all-terrain vehicles are supported by specialized rescue task forces made up of police officers, other first responders and Hawai‘i National Guard personnel. If deployed, the teams can reach areas that may become difficult for conventional emergency vehicles to access because of flooding, debris or other hazards.
The teams are prepared to provide medical care, law enforcement assistance and help evacuate or transport residents from storm-affected areas if needed.
Camping and outdoor park activities suspended
The Department of Parks and Recreation will suspend all permitted camping and outdoor park activities effective 6 p.m. today, September 7.
City parks, facilities and botanical gardens will remain open unless weather conditions warrant additional closures.
City services remain operational
City refuse services, including Environmental Transfer Stations and Convenience Centers, remain open during normal business hours.
All other City services not affected by the Labor Day holiday will remain operational unless conditions require changes.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and remain in a safe location as conditions deteriorate. Keep phones and backup batteries charged, be prepared for possible power outages, and secure loose outdoor items while it is still safe to do so.
The City will continue monitoring Tropical Storm Lowell throughout the evening and overnight and will provide additional updates as conditions change.
Residents and visitors should sign up for HNL Alert at HNLAlert.gov or text HNLALERT to 888-777 to receive urgent emergency notifications.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. Do not call 911 for information only. Please keep emergency lines open for those who need immediate assistance.
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