8 p.m. Saturday (July 23) Hawaii County Civil Defense Tropical Storm Darby audio message

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for all islands in the state of Hawaii.

As of 11 p.m. HST Saturday (July 23) the center of Darby was located about 55 miles (85 km) west of Kailua-Kona moving west-northwest at 10 mph (17 km/h). Maximum sustained winds are 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center.

Darby has passed over Hawaii Island and is forecast to make a slight turn toward the northwest later tonight and continue moving west-northwest over the next 48 hours, with little change in forward speed.

A High Surf Warning for east facing shores of Hawaii Island is in effect. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Hawaii Island until 12:30 p.m. Sunday (July 24).

Emergency Shelters:

If possible, please shelter in place or with friends and family. If you need to evacuate, here is a list of pet friendly shelters available.

You will need to bring your own bedding, food, water, medicines and any personal items you may need.

PET FRIENDLY:

• Waiakea High
• Kalanianaole Elementary
• Keaau High
• Pahoa High
• Honokaa High and Intermediate
• Kealakehe High
• Konawaena High
• Ka‘u High

UNABLE TO ACCOMMODATE PETS:

• Hilo High
• Laupahoehoe Community Charter School
• Mountain View Elementary
• Waikoloa Elementary
• Kohala High and Elementary

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi signs emergency proclamation in advance of Tropical Storm Darby

The Mayor’s proclamation allows easier access to county emergency resources, along with the suspension of certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.

“We want to make sure we are doing everything possible to protect the public,” said Mayor Kenoi. “This proclamation improves the county’s ability to respond quickly to any potential impacts from the impending storm.”

The disaster emergency relief period for the proclamation began at noon Friday (July 22) and will continue for 60 days.

The public is advised to be storm ready. Heavy rains are expected to begin affecting the Big Island tonight. Residents are urged to complete storm preparations before nightfall, and stay off the road if at all possible.

In anticipation of possible damage to public and private property, an emergency proclamation was signed by Mayor Kenoi at noon today.

Should power be lost or access be blocked – ensure you have prescription medications, ice, water, oxygen, backup power and fuel if needed.

To keep everyone safe as Tropical Storm Darby approaches, all camping and pavilion reservations at County and State parks have been cancelled. Lava viewing and swimming pools are closed through Sunday. All State and County park facilities and remote areas of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park are closed until further notice.

The Hele-On Bus will resume its regularly scheduled service on Sunday morning beginning with the 3:15 AM Hilo to Waikoloa bus.

Solid waste transfer stations and landfills will be open as normally scheduled.

County parks and recreational facilities, including the Pana’ewa Zoo and Hilo Municipal Golf Course, will reopen tomorrow. Lava Viewing will resume Monday.

Umauma Bridge on Highway 19 will reopen at midnight tonight.

The remaining emergency shelters will close at 8 AM Sunday morning.

HELCO crews have been working through the night to restore power in Puna and Kohala. Most of Puna has been restored with a few areas of outage being worked on. Kohala has been restored. If anyone has power problems contact HELCO at 808-969-6666.

For a reminder of how to prepare for a possible tropical storms and hurricanes read this or go to our ‘Be Prepared’ menu near the top of this page.

NWS Infrared Satellite Image Loop

Winds forecast for Tropical Storm Darby. Graphic via CPHC

For links to the latest weather forecasts, reports, radar and satellite imagery visit our Weather Page at hawaii247.com/weather