HECO crews standing by as Hurricane Nolo marches toward islands

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaiian Electric is warning customers across the state to prepare for power outages as Hurricane Nolo moves closer to the islands.

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Utility officials say repair crews, vehicles, and equipment are fueled and ready to respond, but personnel remain on standby until the storm makes its impact and passes.

Crews return from Kauai mutual aid

The impending arrival of Storm Nolo comes just after HECO teams returned from Kauai, where they assisted the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) with emergency power restoration.

Roughly 90% of Kauai was in the dark following extensive damage left behind by Hurricane Lowell.

“We were working with them and it was very nearly complete,” said HECO spokesman Darren Pai. “We brought our crews back this week so that they would be ready (to respond to Nolo.)”

Deployment depends on damage assessments

Where and when additional resources are deployed will depend entirely on the storm’s path and severity.

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With forecasters anticipating gusty winds and heavy rain capable of impacting multiple islands, utility leaders have not yet moved personnel between islands saying premature deployment could leave the wrong communities short-handed.

“There’s no way to completely accurately predict exactly where any storm damage might be,” Pai said. “You want to make sure that you have a really accurate picture of what exactly is needed.”

Read more: Hawaiian Electric prepares to address storm-related power outages

Safety reminders for residents

Hawaiian Electric is urging the public to take precautions as Nolo marches closer to the state.

Downed power lines: Always assume fallen utility lines are energized and dangerous. Never approach or touch them, and report downed lines immediately to emergency services or HECO.

Emergency supplies: Residents should ensure they have sufficient non-perishable food, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, and backup power options for medical equipment in the event of extended outages.

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