Severe Winter Weather Hits Big Island: Shelters Opened, Facilities Closed
As a powerful winter low-pressure system descends upon Hawaiʻi Island, local authorities have taken swift action to safeguard residents. Emergency shelters have been activated, and several public facilities are closed to ensure safety during the storm.
Weather Alerts in Effect
Residents are advised to monitor the following weather warnings:
- Flood Watch: Entire Big Island
- High Wind Warning: Entire Big Island
- Winter Storm Warning: Summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa, with possible snow accumulation reaching up to two feet.
Emergency officials have also issued a rare warning for the potential development of brief and weak tornadoes, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and prepared.
Shelters for Safety
To accommodate the inflow of individuals impacted by the storm, seven emergency shelters are currently open with a total of 11 available. Here are the locations:
- Waimea Community Center
- Nāʻālehu Community Center
- Robert N. Herkes Gym
- Yano Hall
- Kekuaokalani Gym
- Keaʻau Armory
- Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility
Additional shelters will be opened and staffed as needed to ensure all residents find a safe haven during the storm.
Closures to Protect Public Safety
Several county facilities have been closed to prevent accidents and ensure public safety:
- Mahukona Wharf
- Carvalho Park
- Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
- Pāhoa Pool
Notably, the Keaʻau Armory remains closed for daily activities but is being used as a temporary shelter.
All county campsites are closed indefinitely until further notice. Officials advise residents to stay informed and cautious.
Power Outage Concerns
Hawaiian Electric, the island’s primary power utility, has issued a statement urging customers to prepare for possible extended power outages due to the storm. Outages have already been reported across the island.
“Our crews are currently responding to outages and want to reassure our customers that we are on the job,” stated Jim Alberts, senior vice president and chief operations officer. “We are increasing our restoration team and keeping workers on standby to restore power as quickly as possible, ensuring our safety remains our top priority.”
The utility acknowledges that depending on the storm’s intensity and path, extensive damage to the electrical infrastructure could occur. Repairs may take longer, and in extreme cases, rebuilding parts of the system might be necessary.
“Please complete your preparations and make safety your highest priority,” Alberts concluded. “We thank our customers in advance for their patience and understanding as we strive to get everyone’s power restored as quickly and safely as possible.”
Stay Informed and Connected
In times of severe weather, staying informed is crucial. Local officials recommend following updates through trusted news sources, emergency management channels, and social media platforms.
For those without power, battery-operated or hand-crank radios are essential tools to receive critical information.
Service providers like Hawaiian Electric also encourage customers to sign up for text and email alerts to receive updates on power outages and restoration efforts.
Community Support
During challenging times, community support is invaluable. Local businesses and community groups have stepped forward to offer assistance.
Residents can contact their local emergency services, shelters, and community centers for additional support and resources. Neighbors helping neighbors can make a significant difference during disasters.
For those looking to offer aid, joining local volunteer groups or donating to relief funds can provide substantial help to those in need.
Conclusion
The severe winter storm currently affecting the Big Island requires everyone’s attention and cooperation. By staying informed, prepared, and connected with community resources, we can navigate through this challenging period together.
Remember, safety is the top priority. Stay safe, stay informed, and help those around you.
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Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation during this challenging time.
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