Maui Emergency Management Agency together with Maui County and state and non-governmental partners are preparing for a powerful winter storm approaching the state on Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • Maui County has partnered with Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center to provide emergency shelter for houseless individuals

  • National park officials have announced the closure of Haleakala National Park — for the Summit and Kipahulu districts — effective at noon on Thursday

  • Officials advise visitors to avoid traveling to areas in East Maui such as Hana and Haleakala because of possible road conditions

  • Visitors and residents should stay informed, create an emergency plan, prepare an emergency kit, secure property, avoid fast-moving water and look out for one another, said MEMA Administrator Lonokailua-Hewett

Kaunoa Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program has been delivering nonperishable food to homebound seniors in preparation for potential power outages.

MEMA, together with American Red Cross and other partners, are working to identify shelters that can be opened in case of evacuation.

Maui County has partnered with Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center to provide emergency shelter for houseless individuals. The cafeteria will open as needed to provide a safe space with limited amenities for up to 30 individuals.

Officials advise visitors to avoid traveling to areas in East Maui such as Hana and Haleakala because of possible road conditions.

National park officials have announced the closure of Haleakala National Park — for the Summit and Kipahulu districts — effective at 10 a.m. Thursday. Heavy rain is expected to begin around noon to early afternoon with the heaviest bands on the south and southwestern slopes of Haleakala with East Maui receiving significant rainfall and experiencing possible flooding around the same time. Haleakala will see sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph starting in the early afternoon and peaking around sunset on Thursday.

“The park will remain closed through noon on Friday when conditions are expected to improve. Opening the park, however, will be contingent on damage assessments, and any additional dangerous weather forecasts that maybe predicted,” said Acting Superintendent Leonel Arguello in a park release.

Crews from the county Department of Public Works have been cleaning drains and culverts throughout the county, including Lahaina, Wailuku, Makawao and Hana, as well as on Molokai and Lanai. Crews have also placed equipment and prepared for flooding in areas previously affected, including the Kaupo area of Piilani Highway and South Kihei Road at Kaonoulu Road and Uwapo Road in Kihei.

In the event of traffic signal outages, temporary stop signs used to convert traffic signals into four-way stops are also in place.

Residents and visitors should stay informed, create an emergency plan, prepare an emergency kit, secure property, avoid fast-moving water and look out for one another, said MEMA Administrator Lonokailua-Hewett.

“MEMA is preparing for severe weather, including heavy rain, flooding and high winds, which is expected to impact Maui County,” Lonokailua-Hewett said in a release. “I encourage everyone to take steps to be prepared.”

As of 8:30 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service website shows all islands are under a High Wind Warning that can bring winds up to 40 mph and gusts over 60 mph. Strong winds can lead to property damage and residents are urged to secure outdoor items. Motorists, especially those driving light-weight, high-profile vehicles, are urged to drive with extreme caution.

Subscribe to MEMA alerts on their website.