10 am update: City continues preparations as tropical system moves closer to Hawaiʻi

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu continues to closely monitor a developing tropical system in the Central Pacific that could bring impacts to the Hawaiian Islands, including Oʻahu, this weekend.

Forecast and Potential Impacts

The system, currently designated Tropical Cyclone One-C, is located more than 900 miles east-southeast of Hawaiʻi and is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression or tropical storm later today. While there remains significant uncertainty surrounding its eventual track and intensity, City officials are urging residents not to wait and to begin preparations now.

According to the National Weather Service, potential impacts to Oʻahu could begin ahead of the system and include:

Increased wildfire danger: Fire weather concerns are expected to increase Friday as winds strengthen and low humidity develops ahead of the system, creating the potential for dangerous wildfire conditions.
Strong, gusty winds: Winds are expected to increase heading into the weekend and could strengthen further on Saturday.
Large and rough surf: The system is expected to generate a large easterly swell, with warning-level surf of 15 feet or higher possible into the weekend.
Heavy rainfall and flooding: The system could bring periods of heavy rainfall, with the potential for life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and rapidly rising streams.

Residents should understand that these potential impacts can occur even if the center of the system does not pass directly over Oʻahu. The forecast will continue to evolve as the system develops and moves closer to the Hawaiian Islands.

“We still have time to prepare, and I want everyone on Oʻahu to use that time wisely,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “The City is preparing, and we need our residents to prepare as well. Check your emergency supplies, secure your property, make sure you know what your family will do if conditions become dangerous, and pay close attention to official information. We don’t control the storm, but we do control how well prepared we are for it.”

The City’s Department of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the system and coordinating with the National Weather Service, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and City departments and agencies as the forecast develops.

City preparations underway

Mayor Blangiardi convened a meeting of his Cabinet Tuesday evening to review the latest information on the developing system and to coordinate preparations across City departments and first-responder agencies. The Mayor directed departments to review emergency plans, staffing, equipment and facilities and to be prepared to adjust City operations quickly should the threat to Oʻahu increase.

City departments and agencies have already begun taking precautionary steps ahead of the weekend.

The Honolulu Police Department’s (HPD) Major Events Division is preparing for the possible activation of the department’s Joint Operations Center, which helps coordinate emergency response efforts during major incidents. If activated, HPD will work alongside other City first responders to closely monitor conditions across Oʻahu, share critical information, and coordinate resources where they are needed most.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will begin securing construction areas ahead of the storm by reinforcing work sites, ensuring equipment is safely stored and secured, and inspecting and maintaining best management practices (BMPs). These measures are intended to help protect nearby properties and roadways and keep stormwater systems clear.

The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) continues to monitor streams and drainage infrastructure across Oʻahu. On Wednesday, DFM’s Sea Engineering team will inspect conditions and water levels at Muliwai and Kapakahi streams.

At this time, DFM does not anticipate opening stream mouths until closer to the storm’s potential arrival. With higher surf possible, opening stream mouths too early could allow them to close again before the system arrives. Crews will continue to monitor conditions and determine the appropriate timing for any necessary work.

DFM crews are also continuing maintenance work in Mānoa Stream and are working to complete as much hauling as possible before the weekend, with a particular focus on removing debris piles from around the park before weather conditions potentially deteriorate.

Additional City departments and agencies will continue preparations over the coming days, and the City will provide updates on those efforts as necessary.

Residents encouraged to prepare now

Residents should not focus solely on the storm’s projected track or intensity. Even if Oʻahu does not experience a direct impact, changing weather conditions associated with the system could bring strong or gusty winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, dangerous surf and coastal conditions, power outages, and an increased risk of wildfires.

Residents should take the following steps now:

Review and update your family emergency plan, including where you will go if you need to evacuate.

Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications, and essential items to last at least 14 days.

Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and other supplies in the event of a power outage.

Secure outdoor furniture, equipment, and other loose objects that could become hazardous in strong winds.

Clear gutters, drains, and areas around your property that could contribute to flooding.

Use extreme caution with open flames, outdoor equipment, or any activity that could spark a wildfire, particularly during periods of strong or gusty winds.

Keep vehicles fueled and avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase essential supplies.

Know whether your home is in a flood, coastal, or other hazard area and be prepared to relocate if necessary.

City officials are asking residents to rely on information from official sources and not individual computer models or unverified information circulating on social media. Forecasts can change quickly, and the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center remain the authoritative sources for weather information.

The City will provide additional updates as the forecast develops and will announce any changes to City operations, facility closures, shelter openings, or other emergency actions if necessary.

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

The City will send out public updates each day at 10 am and 4 pm until the storm passes; the next update is expected at 4 pm Wednesday.

—PAU—

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