County of Maui Hurricane Nolo update as of 11:30 a.m. 9-25-26

STORM UPDATE

With Hurricane Nolo forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, the latest forecast indicates the potential for significant impacts to Maui County has decreased. However, Maui County remains under a Tropical Storm Watch, Flood Watch and High Surf Advisory, and residents should continue to remain vigilant as conditions can change.

Maui County could still experience tropical storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and hazardous surf beginning tonight, with East Maui expected to see the greatest potential for rainfall impacts, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Nolo strengthened into a hurricane at 5 p.m. Thursday and became a Category 2 hurricane this morning. It is forecast to strengthen into a Category 3 major hurricane tonight, around the time of its closest approach to Hawaiʻi Island. Nolo is forecast to continue westward through the weekend with its center passing south of the state. Impacts can extend well beyond the center of the storm, and County emergency officials will continue to closely monitor the system.

EMERGENCY SHELTERS ON STANDBY

Based on the latest forecast and current conditions, the County is postponing the opening of emergency shelters that had been scheduled for noon today on Maui and Molokaʻi. The County remains prepared to open shelters should weather conditions or impacts warrant. County and American Red Cross personnel and supplies have been pre-positioned so shelters can be activated if needed.

If shelters are opened, they will provide a safe gathering place from the elements and charging stations for personal electronic devices. Residents should bring their own bedding, food, drinking water, medications, charging cables and other essential items. Pets are allowed if they are in crates. The duration and amenities of shelters will depend on weather conditions.

ROADWAY ADVISORIES

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is asking residents and visitors to exercise caution and pause nonessential travel to East Maui on Hāna Highway, which is susceptible to fallen trees, rocks and flooding.

COUNTY SERVICE CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES

Department of Transportation may alter or suspend Maui Bus services later today, 9/25, depending on weather and road closures. Maui Bus services, including Fixed Route, ADA Paratransit and Commuter service to West and South Maui will be suspended Saturday, Sept. 26. Commuter service to West and South Maui will be suspended Sunday, Sept. 27; Fixed Route and ADA Paratransit service may start operations later in the day, as conditions safely allow.

COUNTY-SPONSORED EVENT CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES

Office of the Mayor’s Kōkua Kauaʻi Donation Drive, slated for Sept. 26-27, 2026, will be rescheduled.
The War Memorial Gymnasium blessing, scheduled for Sept. 25, was canceled.

COUNTY PREPARATIONS

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been coordinating with other County of Maui departments, as well as state and nongovernment partners, to prepare for potential storm impacts.

Other County preparations include the following:

Department of Public Works (DPW) crews have been preparing for the incoming system by ensuring all storm-response equipment is fueled and ready to go. If conditions intensify, DPW will position equipment and personnel.
Department of Water Supply and Department of Environmental Management are checking and topping off fuel in all permanent and portable generators. All vehicles are being refueled daily in anticipation of the storm. Crews are on standby if needed.
Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD) has prepared generators at fire stations and had additional fuel delivered to prepare for potential power disruptions. Additional firefighters will be on duty and additional firefighting apparatus will be staffed Friday, Saturday and potentially Sunday.
Maui Police Department has increased officer staffing and has additional officers on standby to help respond to storm-related incidents. The public should be advised of the following:

Anticipate longer response times for nonemergency/non-in progress calls -- public safety will be prioritized during the storm.
If there is a situation where emergency evacuation is needed, call 911.
Crimes committed during an emergency proclamation have enhanced penalties.
If traffic signals go out or malfunction, treat intersections like a four-way-stop.

COUNTY RESPONSE

Mayor Richard Bissen on 9/24 signed an emergency proclamation ahead of impacts from Hurricane Nolo. The emergency proclamation authorizes the County of Maui to access state and federal assistance programs for potential impacts and temporarily streamlines County procedures so resources, personnel and services can be deployed quickly and efficiently to support emergency response and recovery.

GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION

Residents are encouraged to:

Review or update a family emergency plan.
Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
Prepare an emergency go bag with essential items to take if evacuation becomes necessary.
Secure important documents and know your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
Prepare your home by securing outdoor items, protecting windows if needed, and ensuring it is ready to withstand possible extended power outages.
Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications by visiting https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

For the latest information, visit NWS in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/ and subscribe to Genasys and MEMA alerts at https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

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