David Y. Ige | HIEMA News Release: HI-EMA Activates State Emergency Operations Center to Monitor Hurricane Darby; Weakening System Still Could Bring Substantial Rain, Gusty Winds

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) activated the State Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. Thursday to monitor Hurricane Darby as the weakening storm system moved into the central Pacific overnight.

Activation at Level 3, a step above normal operations, provides additional resources to plan for potential impacts and coordinate with Hawaii counties and our other partners if they need support to deal with any aftermath from the storm. Darby was about 850 miles east of Hilo at midday and still showing sustained winds near 100 mph as it moved over cooler waters.

“While the National Weather Service expects Darby to weaken and move to our south this weekend, the remnants of the tropical system could still bring several inches of rain and locally strong winds to the Big Island and Maui through Saturday,” said Luke Meyers, administrator. of HI-EMA. “When you combine those potential impacts with the high surf we’re expecting this weekend, we want to make sure we’re ready for anything, just in case.”

Darby provides a reminder that hurricane season can threaten Hawai’i even if a storm moves well offshore, with wind, coastal waves and localized flooding of roads and low-lying areas all possible.

HI-EMA reminds residents and visitors of these tips before and during severe weather:

• Check the places you live, work and play for potential hazards, such as blocked drains or tree limbs that could blow through a window or roof – there’s still time to prepare.
• Fill up your gas tank and charge your cell phones, in case the power goes out or you need to move somewhere safer.
• Make sure you have supplies of water and food, necessary medicines, masks and disinfectants, radios with batteries and other emergency supplies. HI-EMA recommends that residents be ready for two weeks, but even a few days should make you more prepared. Don’t forget about pet supplies!
• There’s never a bad time to make an emergency plan with your family—and practice it.

If Darby brings extreme conditions, remember to avoid driving through water if there is localized flooding. Running water can carry a car away, and Hawaii’s steep valleys mean it can flow fast – turn around, don’t drown.

Coincidentally, the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center is happening at the same time as a previously scheduled emergency preparedness exercise on Saturday, July 16, involving Hawaii’s amateur radio operators. If you happen to hear radio traffic for a simulated emergency on Saturday, don’t panic. Any information about a true emergency incident would be communicated through multiple channels, including the HI-EMA Twitter feed at @Hawaii_EMA and messages to local media.

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Contact:

Adam Weintraub
Director of Communications

[email protected]
808-620-5417

Thank you,

Adam Weintraub

Director of Communications

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

4204 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816

[email protected]

Office: 808-733-4300 Ext. 522

Cell: 808-620-5417