City activates emergency operations as O‘ahu comes under a Tropical Storm Watch

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Honolulu Police Department’s Joint Operations Center (JOC) at 7 a.m. Friday as Oʻahu comes under a Tropical Storm Watch and Tropical Storm Lala continues to move closer to the Hawaiian Islands.

The activations bring together City departments, first responder agencies and emergency management personnel to monitor conditions across Oʻahu, coordinate operations and rapidly deploy resources as needed. After several days of preparations across City government, officials are urging residents and visitors to finish any remaining preparations Friday and be ready for potentially dangerous conditions this weekend.

Latest forecast
As of 5 a.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Lala was located about 630 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Lala was moving west-northwest at approximately 12 mph and is forecast to continue strengthening as it approaches the islands. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi Island, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Maui County, and a Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within the next 36 to 48 hours.

For Oʻahu, tropical storm-force winds are possible later Saturday into Sunday, with localized areas of stronger and potentially damaging winds possible, particularly over mountainous terrain. Heavy rainfall is expected to reach Oʻahu later Saturday and continue into Sunday, with up to 8 inches of rain possible and locally significant flooding possible even in leeward areas. A Flood Watch will be in effect for Oʻahu from Saturday evening through early Monday morning. Rapidly rising streams, flash flooding, and dangerous ocean conditions are also possible as Lala moves through the state. Residents and visitors should closely monitor updated forecasts and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.

“We have spent the entire week preparing our City, our first responders and our critical infrastructure for this storm, and with Oʻahu now under a Tropical Storm Watch, we are moving into full operational readiness,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “I am asking everyone to finish your preparations today. Don’t wait for the weather to deteriorate. Stay informed, stay away from dangerous areas, and make sure your family knows what to do if conditions worsen. Check on your neighbors and especially our kūpuna. Our teams are ready, and we will be working around the clock throughout the weekend to keep our community safe.”

Emergency operations activated

The EOC serves as the central coordination point for the City’s storm response, bringing together representatives from departments, first responder agencies and partner organizations to share information, coordinate resources and respond to changing conditions.

The HPD Joint Operations Center will coordinate law enforcement and public safety operations and help deploy personnel and resources where they are needed most.

Mutual aid support
A 12-member team from South Carolina State Fire and the Palmetto Incident Support Team will arrive on Oʻahu Friday to support operations at the City’s Emergency Operations Center. The team previously deployed to Oʻahu in March to assist the City during the Kona Low storms and will once again provide additional emergency management support as the City prepares for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Lala.

Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) also moved to 24-hour operations beginning at 7 a.m. Friday and will continue around the clock through the weekend, with operations reassessed daily. CORE teams will continue outreach and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those in areas vulnerable to flooding and other storm impacts.

H.O.N.U. operations: The City will temporarily relocate residents of its Homeless Outreach and Navigation for the Unsheltered (H.O.N.U.) program to the Kapolei High School gymnasium to provide safe indoor shelter during the severe weather. The 63 individuals currently staying at H.O.N.U. will be transported to the gym Saturday morning ahead of the storm. Once residents have been relocated, tents and equipment at the H.O.N.U. site will be taken down and secured until conditions improve.

More details on O‘ahu hurricane refuge areas opening Saturday morning in the 4 pm update.

Friday brings elevated wildfire concern
Before tropical moisture associated with Lala reaches Oʻahu, stronger trade winds and relatively dry conditions are expected to create an elevated wildfire threat Friday.
Residents should avoid activities that could spark a fire, including using open flames or equipment that could generate sparks in dry vegetation. Strong winds can cause a fire to spread rapidly and make firefighting significantly more difficult.

Anyone who sees smoke or fire should call 911 immediately.

Public safety: The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) continues preparations for potential impacts from Lala. At HPD’s ʻEwa warehouse, officers and cadets are preparing emergency response vehicles, fueling generators, and readying equipment and supplies for deployment. Patrol officers will also monitor areas historically prone to flooding, including streams, inlets, bridges and roadways, and coordinate with appropriate agencies as hazards are identified.

Ocean Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety Department Rescue Operators are conducting additional patrols along the South Shore on Friday, with extended coverage through 7:30 p.m. Personnel have also secured equipment, moved critical resources to higher ground where appropriate, fueled vehicles, and prepared emergency response equipment.

As surf associated with Lala begins arriving, Ocean Safety is urging beachgoers to pay close attention to lifeguards and changing ocean conditions. Dangerous surf is expected to develop along Oʻahu’s east-facing shores Saturday night into Sunday.

City Operations

Stream and flood preparations: With larger surf developing along Oʻahu’s west side, the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) will open stream mouths Friday evening at Pōkaʻi Bay 1, Pōkaʻi Bay 2 and ʻUlehawa. The work will be timed with the evening low tide to improve stream flow and reduce the potential for water to back up in surrounding areas. DFM crews will continue monitoring stream levels across Oʻahu, clearing debris from waterways and drainage systems, and responding as conditions change.

Refuse operations: Transfer stations are actively clearing existing waste ahead of the storm to create additional capacity and help maintain operations should severe weather temporarily disrupt access to H-POWER or the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill.

Public transportation: TheBus, TheHandi-Van and Skyline are running on a normal schedule. Riders should continue monitoring City and Department of Transportation Services communications because hazardous road conditions, heavy rain, flooding or strong winds could result in delays or sudden service changes.

Preparations completed earlier this week remain in place across City government, including stream and drainage work, securing construction sites, preparing wastewater and refuse operations, protecting emergency communications infrastructure, monitoring reservoirs and conducting outreach to vulnerable populations.

Residents urged to remain prepared through the weekend
Residents should finish securing outdoor furniture and loose objects, charge phones and backup batteries, make sure medications and emergency supplies are readily available, and know what their family will do if conditions become dangerous.

People living near streams, in flood-prone areas or along the coastline should closely monitor conditions and be prepared to move to a safer location if instructed.

Residents should never drive or walk through floodwaters and should stay away from streams and other waterways that can rise rapidly during heavy rainfall.

The City also asks residents to check on kūpuna, neighbors, family members and others who may need additional assistance during the storm.

City officials continue to urge residents to rely on official information from the National Weather Service, Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and the City and County of Honolulu.

Residents can find emergency preparedness information at www.Honolulu.gov/dem.

The City’s next public update is expected at 4 p.m. Friday, or sooner if conditions warrant.

—PAU—

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