Storm refuge areas: Where to find emergency shelter across the state

HAWAII COUNTY (HawaiiNewsNow) – Ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo’s arrival, officials have begun designating hurricane refuge areas on Hawaii Island, as shelters are being prepared on Maui.

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Emergency management officials said the state is offering residents a safe place to seek shelter if their homes are not secure.

“Tropical Storm Nolo continues to strengthen and threaten Hawaii Island,” said Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda Thursday. “We are looking at both the possibility of life-threatening flash flooding and strong, damaging winds, and we encourage everyone to complete their preparations, stay connected to official alerts and weather updates, and secure safe shelter before flooding strikes.”

Hawaii Island refuge areas and evacuation options

For those seeking a safe place to take refuge from Tropical Strom Nolo, the following public shelter locations opened Wednesday at 6 p.m., and are open now:

The County of Hawaii is providing free shuttle bus service from Naalehu Elementary School to the shelter at Robert N. Herkes Gym in Pahala, from 2 to 6 p.m., on Thursday.

The following shelters are set to open at 6 a.m., on Friday.

The most current list of shelter locations and updates will be available online and shared through HNL Alert.

Click here to sign up for Civil Defense emergency alerts or sign up by texting “HAWAIIALERTS” to 888777.

Read more Hurricane Nolo strengthening as it moves slowly toward Hawaii Island

Those seeking shelter are advised to bring their own food, water, medications, and other essential items whenever possible.

There are no evacuation orders in place at this time. However, residents are strongly encouraged to monitor conditions closely and take action early if they feel unsafe.

Click here to see the Hawaii County Hazard Impact Map.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. Do not call 911 for information only; keep lines open for those in immediate need.

If you have any questions, please contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031.

Maui emergency shelter locations

Maui County said emergency shelters will open at noon Friday for anyone impacted by Tropical Storm Nolo.

Emergency shelters are located at:

The county asks residents to bring their own bedding, food, drinking water, medications, charging cables and other essential items. Pets are allowed if they are in crates.

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The county has additional emergency information available here.