UPDATED 5:35 p.m.

Gov. Josh Green today announced that state and county offices, state Department of Education public schools and University of Hawaii campuses and facilities on Hawaii Island will close Thursday and Friday as the state prepares for potentially dangerous impacts from Tropical Storm Nolo.

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“The closures are intended to keep residents off the roads, give families time to prepare and allow emergency personnel to respond safely as heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding and other hazardous conditions threaten both counties,” according to a press release from Green’s office.

Green has submitted a request for a federal emergency declaration covering all four counties.

The declaration request seeks federal support for debris removal, emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance, including search and rescue, emergency power and electrical-grid support, debris clearance, temporary access, communications, transportation and other critical logistics, at a 75% federal cost share.

Judiciary facilities on Hawaii Island and across Maui County will announce closures separately.

Essential government services and emergency operations will continue throughout the closures. State offices and public schools on islands not included in the closure will remain open unless otherwise announced.

UPDATED 2:30 p.m.

For those seeking a safe place to take refuge from Tropical Storm Nolo, the following public shelter locations will open today at 6 p.m.:

— Yano Hall in Captain Cook;

— Na‘alehu Gym and Robert Herkes Gym in Ka‘u;

— Kea‘au Armory in Puna.

For residents of Waiohinu and Na‘alehu who prefer to leave the Na‘alehu area and seek shelter at the Robert Herkes Gym in Pahala, the county is providing free shuttle bus service from Na‘alehu Gym to Robert Herkes Gym starting at 6 p.m. today.

Those who plan to ride out the storm at a public shelter should bring their own food, water and any necessary medicines. Shelters are pet-friendly, but bring a carrier.

PREVIOUSLY

Tropical Depression Fifteen-E officially strengthened into Tropical Storm Nolo this morning, prompting weather officials to issue a hurricane watch for the Big Island and surrounding waters as the storm tracks toward the main Hawaiian islands.

As of 11 a.m., Nolo was centered about 310 miles south of South Point and 500 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Moving west-northwest at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, the storm is moving west-northwest at 6 mph, but is forecast to turn north and north-northeast Thursday, making its closest approach to the Big Island on Friday and Saturday.

Nolo is expected to reach hurricane intensity Thursday and could become a major hurricane by the weekend, according to the CPHC.

“Efforts to protect life and property should now be rigorously underway,” the National Weather Service in Honolulu said in a bulletin for Hawaii County, noting the potential for life-threatening winds, coastal surge and catastrophic rainfall.

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A flood watch remains in effect through Saturday afternoon for Hawaii Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.

Rainfall totals of up to 15 to 20 inches — with localized maximums up to 35 inches — are expected across the Big Island, bringing a high threat of life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides in steep terrain.

Hawaii County Civil Defense today requested that all Hawaii Island residents take time today to prepare their property for possible flooding rain and high wind conditions. “Please review your emergency plan and complete your personal preparations today.”

Civil Defense is encouraging residents in flood-prone areas and those that recently experienced flooding conditions to consider relocating to a safer location, away from impact areas, and do so prior to onset of heavy rain.

For those seeking a place to shelter from the storm, Civil Defense will announce public shelter locations and soon.

Sand piles are available across the island, but residents will need to supply their own bags. Please refer to the Department of Public Works webpage for locations: tinyurl.com/5akefn9v.

Those with questions can contact Civil Defense at 935-0031.

The Department of Water Supply advises water customers and the public “to prepare now for their drinking water needs” as Nolo approaches.

Severe weather and high winds can disrupt electrical power and other infrastructure needed to operate DWS water systems, potentially resulting in extended interruptions to water service.

Customers are encouraged to store an emergency supply of drinking water and conserve DWS water beginning now. Tap water should be used only for essential needs, such as drinking, cooking and personal hygiene, until weather conditions improve.

Conserving drinking water helps maintain adequate storage in DWS tanks for essential needs and emergency fire protection.

To reach DWS, call 961-8050 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies, or email [email protected].

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