Mayor signs emergency proclamation ahead of anticipated storm
Mayor Mitch Roth signed a severe weather emergency proclamation earlier this morning ahead of an anticipated heavy rainfall on Hawaii Island.
The signed proclamation allows for a streamlined response and coordination of resources in the event of a disaster, according to a press release from his office.
ADVERTISING
“We signed an emergency proclamation this morning so that we can guarantee every resource necessary to ensure the safety of our community in the event of severe impacts from the impending storm,” Roth said in the press release.
According to the National Weather Service, the county and state are currently under a flood watch, where up to 20 inches of rainfall can be expected over the next couple of days.
The flood watch is set to remain in effect through Saturday afternoon.
The areas expected to see the most severe impacts are Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo, including areas along the Hamakua Coast to Waipi‘o Valley. West Hawaii will also be impacted.
“Road crews, utilities, fire and police stand ready to address impacts caused by the anticipated weather as they occur to ensure public safety,” according to the press release. “Shelters have been identified in varying locations in the event that they become necessary.”
The press release noted that the “county has not requested the cancellation of any planned outdoor events or activities at this time but reminds residents that closures and/or cancellations may be necessary with little to no notice, pending the severity of the weather impacts.”
The public can access information in real-time on the Civil Defense Hazard Map (https://tinyurl.com/2p845968) or via the county’s mobile application, Kahea, which is available on both Android and iPhone.
