With heavy rains ahead, crews make checks for rockfall and flooding risks
State, county urge public to prepare for storm impacts, possible outages
State and county crews are checking areas at risk for flooding or rockfalls as a storm approaches with heavy rains and potential flash floods in the forecast.
Since Tuesday, Maui County Public Works Department crews have been checking culverts and drainage areas around Maui, Molokai and Lanai, and have cleared areas where sand buildup has caused blockage, the county said Wednesday.
The Maui County Emergency Management Agency is actively monitoring conditions in light of the National Weather Service-issued flash flood watch for all islands that starts today and extends through Saturday afternoon.
A Kona low is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall, starting with Hawaii island and spreading to the other islands tonight through Saturday, the weather service said. Heavy rainfall for an extended amount of time is expected to result in flash flooding, particularly over already-saturated areas.
The state Department of Transportation said Wednesday that it’s also making preparations. The department and its contractors routinely check drains and bridges, rockslide areas and low-lying spots along freeways, highways and roads.
Of the top 10 sites across the state susceptible to rockfalls, seventh on the list is the area of Honoapiilani Highway from Mile Post 10.33 to Mile Post 10.44.
DOT also works with tenants at its airports and harbors to ensure aircraft and vessels are secure, as well as other heavy equipment, the department said.
Travelers should check with their airlines and cruise lines about possible delays in arrival or departures, the DOT said.
Both the county and the state urged the public to be prepared and to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts. Those who come across a flooded road should notify police and should not attempt to cross it.
Downed utility lines should be treated as energized and should also be reported to authorities. Hawaiian Electric advises staying at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths) away from downed lines.
Hawaiian Electric said Wednesday that crews are prepared to respond to storm-related outages but that power restoration may be delayed in some areas due to accessibility issues caused by fallen trees, debris and flooding. To prepare for potential extended outages, customers can:
● Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns and batteries. Be prepared to monitor communications over emergency broadcast radio stations.
● Store enough water, nonperishable food, medicine and personal hygiene supplies for people and pets to last at least 14 days.
● Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or power outage. When power comes back on and is stable, plug in the equipment one at a time.
● Shut off electricity at the main breaker or switch if there is a need to evacuate.
● Consider having a backup generator if dependent on an electrically powered life support system. Or, make plans to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available. Be prepared to take medical equipment and medications with you. If your business or home has a backup generator, learn how to properly operate it.
● Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including phone numbers for insurance agents, vendors, physicians or any other important individuals.
Hawaiian Electric will post updates on its Twitter feed @HwnElectric, @MauiElectric or @HIElectricLight. It also offers outage maps through its mobile app. To reach the company’s 24/7 trouble lines, call (808) 871-7777 on Maui and (877) 8718461 on Molokai and Lanai.
For updates from the county, visit mauicounty. gov. To sign up for emergency alerts, visit mauicoun ty.gov/mema.
The Department of Transportation will also post emergency updates on its Facebook and Twitter accounts.