Multiple sources, including Maui County’s emergency management agency and national weather outlets, are reporting that a developing tropical system has a 90% chance of becoming a cyclone and is expected to reach Maui by Saturday. Maui County and the Big Island face the highest rainfall risk, and officials are urging residents and property owners to prepare immediately. No watches or warnings are yet in effect for Maui County, but they could be issued as early as Thursday.
- The system, designated Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C, is located roughly 900 miles east-southeast of the Big Island and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by Wednesday night or early Thursday — if named, it will be called ‘Lala’ (KTVU)
- Heavy rains are expected to reach Maui on Saturday, with the first impacts hitting the Big Island on Friday
- Maui County and Hawai’i Island currently have the highest potential for heavy rainfall, though forecasts may shift as the storm develops
- Possible impacts include dangerous winds (39–74 mph), heavy rain, flash flooding, rapidly rising streams, and large surf
- Warning-level surf of 15 feet or higher is possible along east-facing shores as a large easterly swell builds (KTVU)
- Damaging winds could occur even if the storm’s center does not make a direct hit on the islands (KTVU)
- No watches or warnings are currently in effect for Maui County, but state-level watches could be issued as early as Thursday
- Because the storm is developing closer to the state than is typical, impacts could arrive with less warning than usual (Aloha State Daily)
- Mayor Richard Bissen urged residents to prepare now, check on vulnerable neighbors, and secure their properties
- MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett confirmed coordination is underway with county, state, and non-governmental partners
- Residents should stock emergency supplies for at least 14 days, secure loose outdoor items, clear drains and gutters, and keep vehicles fueled
- Hawaiian Electric advises staying at least 10 feet from power lines during property securing, and placing portable generators outside in well-ventilated areas (Aloha State Daily)
- Subscribe to emergency alerts via the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency and Maui County Civil Defense
Sources
- Aloha State Daily: Residents asked to prepare as storm approaches
- Maui County: County of Maui officials encourage residents to prepare for potential tropical storm
- Mauirecovers: News: County of Maui officials encourage residents to prepare for potential tropical storm
- Maui County: MEMA Alert: County of Maui officials encourage residents to prepare for potential tropical storm
- KTVU: Heading to Hawaii this weekend? Tropical storm could dampen your travel plans
- Maui County: MEMA Alert: County of Maui officials encourage residents to prepare for potential tropical storm
- Maui Now: County of Maui officials encourage residents to prepare for potential tropical storm
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