National Guard prepositioned to support storm relief

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Gov. Josh Green sent out a storm update Friday morning.

Read more Nonessential travel discouraged on Hana Highway due to Hurricane Nolo

He says he has called for reinforcements to help support relief efforts in the areas that are expected to get hit hardest.

“I’ve prepositioned a lot of National Guard,” Green said. “We have 121 National Guard people there to help out on Big Island alone, about 400 statewide.”

Green urged the public to stay off the roads while crews are out working during Nolo, especially on Hawaii Island, which is forecasted to get the worst of the storm impacts.

Read more ‘Rain or shine’: Major events moving forward on Oahu despite Hurricane Nolo

“So lay low. That’s why we closed schools over there today and kept the buildings and offices closed for the most part,” Green said. “Be very safe. We will rebuild whatever damage we experience, but I want everyone to kind of shelter carefully with those that they love.”

Residents on Maui and Hawaii Island are urged to get to safety before conditions get worse.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Hurricane Nolo still strengthening and approaching the Big Island with flooding rainfall and powerful winds