City closely monitoring rainfall, activating EOC, opening emergency shelters on Tuesday, Oct. 27
HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu is closely monitoring a weather system expected to bring heavy rainfall to the state and is urging Oʻahu residents to stay informed and prepare for the possibility of flash flooding.
In preparation for potential impacts, the Oʻahu Emergency Operations Center will partially activate at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. City departments are also taking proactive steps to prepare for the storm, including clearing streams, opening stream mouths and monitoring areas that are prone to flooding.
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms are expected for Oʻahu through Wednesday, with unsettled weather potentially continuing into Thursday or Friday. Current forecasts call for storm totals of 6 to 10 inches of rain across portions of Oʻahu through Friday morning.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect now through Wednesday night. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Emergency shelters opening:
The City is preparing to open several emergency shelters for impacted residents and visitors.
The most current list of shelter locations and assembly areas is available at p.veoci.com/hnlshelter and will be updated throughout the storm. Updates will be also be sent via HNL Alert. Don’t wait, leave early if you feel unsafe.
Planned shelters to open on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.:
Wahiawā District Park
Kāneʻohe District Park
Wai‘anae District Park
Mānoa District Park
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR):
As a result of these emergency shelter operations, afternoon and evening classes at those City parks will be suspended for Oct. 27.
Special events, including Field User Meetings (FUMs) and Halloween events, will continue as regularly scheduled. Except for the FUM at Wai‘anae District Park, which is rescheduled to Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m., and the FUM at Kāne‘ohe District Park, which is rescheduled to Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.
Camping permits for five-day campgrounds (such as Kualoa Regional Park B and Kalaniana‘ole Beach Park) will be suspended effective this evening, Oct. 27.
Park and garden staff will reassess conditions Wednesday morning to determine whether additional closures or activity suspensions are needed in response to this weather event. FUM for Kailua District Park and Paki Hale (Kapi‘olani Regional Park) on Oct. 28 will continue as scheduled.
Department of Transportation Services (DTS):
DTS is closely monitoring the approach and potential impacts of heavy rain to ensure public safety and accessibility across Oʻahu’s transit network.
TheBus and Handi-Van: TheBus and Handi-Van services will operate tonight and tomorrow as normal. However, riders should plan accordingly for potential detours and delays, due to road closures related to flooding.
Skyline Rail Operations: Skyline service will continue to operate today and tomorrow for normal operations.
Drive and travel with caution. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flowing or rising waters.
Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP):
DPP is urging contractors and Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) coordinators with active construction projects to secure their sites ahead of the expected severe weather. Contractors should temporarily suspend land-disturbing activities, inspect and reinforce best management practices (BMPs), secure or cover materials and stockpiles, and take steps to protect storm drains. These precautions can help prevent sediment, debris and pollutants from entering drainage systems, flooding nearby streets and impacting neighboring properties during periods of heavy rainfall. All construction sites should follow DPP’s Rain Response Plan to help minimize these risks and protect surrounding communities.
Before the Storm:
Temporarily suspend land-disturbing activities, including: Clearing, Grubbing, Grading and Trenching
Inspect & Secure Your Site:
*Inspect all BMPs and repair or maintain them as needed
*Reinstall any BMPs that were removed during active construction
*Cover or relocate material stockpiles and liquid containers to prevent contact with rainwater
Protect Our Storm Drains:
*Remove inlet protection devices when appropriate to allow storm drains to function and help prevent flooding on surrounding streets
*Place spill pans or oil-only absorbent pads beneath construction equipment to prevent petroleum products from washing away.
After the Storm (once conditions are safe):
Inspect the construction site
Repair or replace damaged BMPs
Properly dispose of any collected waste or contaminated water
For more information, head to www.honolulu.gov/dpp/dpps-rain-response-plan/
For any questions, email dpp@honolulu.gov.
Prepare now:
Residents may continue with normal activities but are encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor weather forecasts, and be prepared for changing conditions. The time ahead of any potential impacts provides an opportunity for residents to review their emergency plans and make sure emergency supply kits are stocked and ready.
Please keep in mind:
Urban areas: Flash flooding can happen quickly in urban areas when many surfaces are paved and impermeable.
Valleys: Flash floods in valleys may appear suddenly as a large volume of rapidly moving water carrying rocks, mud, and other debris. They can occur even in dry areas if there is heavy rainfall upstream.
Streams: Streams that ordinarily have low flow can increase dramatically when heavy rain is falling upstream.
Your home or business may be subject to flooding from even light rainfall, high tides, upstream debris or development, high surf, storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, dam or levee failure, sea level rise, coastal erosion, or some combination of these hazards. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, roads, ditches, and other areas known to flood around your home or business. Low risk does not mean no risk.
When to report flooding:
During severe weather, early reports of dangerous flooding can help first responders identify hazards and protect our community.
Call 911 if flooding poses an immediate threat to safety or is likely to become dangerous soon.
Examples include:
Streams or drainage channels rising rapidly or nearing overflow.
Roads or populated, low-lying areas becoming flooded or impassable.
Fast-moving water flowing down hillsides, across roads or through neighborhoods.
Floodwaters threatening people, homes or vehicles.
When reporting flooding:
Provide the location, including the nearest street, intersection or landmark.
Describe the conditions, such as rapidly rising water, strong currents or flooded roadways.
If flooding threatens your safety, move to higher ground immediately, if safe to do so.
Do not approach flooded areas to assess conditions or take photos.
Always prioritize your safety before making a report.
For minor flooding or storm debris that does not pose an immediate safety threat, use the HNL 311 app. Please help keep 911 lines available for emergencies.
Stay informed:
The City and County of Honolulu will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as the forecast develops.
Residents should sign up for HNL Alert at HNLAlert.gov to receive emergency notifications and customize the alerts they want.
Residents who want only urgent emergency notifications can text HNLALERT to 888-777.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
