![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.bigislandnow.com\/file\/bigislandnow\/2026\/09\/NWS-4-pm-9-23-Nolo-update-4.jpg\")
<\/a>Courtesy Graphic: National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office<\/p>\nShelters<\/p>\n
Hawai\u2018i County is opening public shelters for anyone who seeks a safe place to take refuge from approaching Tropical Storm Nolo.<\/p>\n
The following shelter locations open as of 6 p.m. today:<\/p>\n
Kea\u02bbau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Kea\u02bbau.<\/p>\n
N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 M\u0101malahoa Highway, N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu.<\/p>\n
Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., P\u0101hala.<\/p>\n
Yano Hall, 82-6156 M\u0101malahoa Highway, Captain Cook.<\/p>\n
Residents of Wai\u02bb\u014dhinu and N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu who prefer to leave the N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu area and shelter at the Herkes Gym in P\u0101hala, at 6 p.m. today the county will provide free shuttle bus service from N\u0101\u02bb\u0101lehu to P\u0101hala.<\/p>\n
Bring your own food, water and any necessary medicine that you need for overnight and possibly longer. Shelters are pet-friendly; bring your own crate and leash.<\/p>\n
Sandbags\/sandpiles<\/p>\n
Sandpiles are available around the island for residents who need sandbags. You need to supply your own sand bags.<\/p>\n
Refer to the county Department of Public Works website<\/a>\u00a0for sandpile locations.<\/p>\n Closures and cancellations<\/p>\n All state offices closed Thursday and Friday by order of the governor. Essential government services and emergency operations will continue throughout the closures.<\/p>\n All non-emergency Hawai\u2018i County services and operations suspended Thursday and Friday, including county offices, all park facilities and Hele-On services.<\/p>\n Hawai\u2018i County solid waste facilities scheduled to be open Thursday will remain open; however, solid waste schedule changes might be announced later.<\/p>\n Courts and Judiciary operations on Hawai\u02bbi Island (3rd Circuit) will be closed Thursday and Friday. All hearings and trials scheduled during the closures will be rescheduled.<\/p>\n Court orders will be issued extending filing deadlines affected by the closures. Orders will be posted on the Judiciary website<\/a>. Deadline for documents due during the closure in the 3rd Circuit is extended until Sept. 28. Visit the Hawai\u02bbi Judiciary website<\/a> for updates and more information and monitor online public case information at eCourt Kokua<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hawai\u2018i County Fire Commission meetings scheduled Thursday and Friday are canceled. New dates will be announced.<\/p>\n Hawai\u02bbi Public Utilities Commission canceled the Thursday public hearing at Hawai\u02bbi Community College for Hawaiian Electric\u2019s rebasing proposal. The commission will reschedule the hearing once conditions stabilize. Members of the public can continue to submit written comments on the company\u2019s proposal by referencing Docket No. 2026-0162 on the commission website<\/a>.<\/p>\n All Hawai\u2018i Island libraries closed Thursday and Friday. Programs also canceled during this emergency closure. Check the state libraries website<\/a> for updates.<\/p>\n State employees affected by the closures will receive administrative leave, except:<\/p>\n Departmental disaster and emergency coordinators.<\/p>\n Disaster response workers.<\/p>\n Employees whose work involves essential operations or services, including hospital, correctional, building and grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and food service workers.<\/p>\n Employees assigned to remote work.<\/p>\n Employees in those categories must report to work or perform remote work unless excused by their department. Employees unsure of their status should contact their immediate supervisor or manager.<\/p>\n County employees should follow instructions from their respective county agencies.<\/p>\n Other community closures and cancellations<\/p>\n Keauhou Community Day on Saturday is canceled to protect the safety and well-being of the community. Organizers are disappointed, but look forward to seeing everyone in September 2027.<\/p>\n The second annual Hawai\u2019i Isle Police Activities League Kawamoto Classic Swimming Event this Saturday in Hilo is canceled. Officials will determine at a later date if the event will be rescheduled. Contact Hilo Community Policing Lt. Ryan Pagan at 808-961-2350 and via email at ryan.pagan@hawaiipolice.gov<\/a> or Officer Joshua Willing via email at joshua.willing@hawaiipolice.gov<\/a> for additional information.<\/p>\n \u201cWorld\u2019s Largest Pet Walk\u201d event Saturday at Queen\u2019s North Hawai\u2018i Community Hospital in Waimea is postponed. Watch for an announcement about a new date soon.<\/p>\n Schools and universities\/colleges<\/p>\n All Hawai\u02bbi Department of Education public schools and offices on the Big Island will be closed Thursday and Friday. All school-sponsored activities, athletics, extracurricular activities and other school events are canceled.<\/p>\n Weekend activities and events also might be canceled depending on weather conditions.<\/p>\n The department is coordinating with state and county emergency management officials as it monitors Tropical Storm Nolo\u2019s progress. School teams are taking steps to secure campuses and prepare facilities ahead of the anticipated weather.<\/p>\n Families and employees are encouraged to monitor official weather updates as well as department and school communications for any changes or additional announcements.<\/p>\n University of Hawai\u02bbi campus closures:<\/p>\n University of Hawai\u02bbi at Hilo and Hawai\u02bbi Community College, plus all other university units on the Big Island: Thursday and Friday.<\/p>\n University of Hawai\u02bbi Maui College: Friday.<\/p>\n University of Hawai\u02bbi at M\u0101noa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources offices on those islands.<\/p>\n University leaders continue to closely monitor the storm and work with state, county and federal emergency officials.<\/p>\n The Food Basket \u2014 Hawai\u02bbi Island\u2019s food bank<\/p>\n The Food Basket \u2014 Hawai\u2019i Island\u2019s food bank warehouses in Hilo, located at 40 Holomua St., and Kailua-Kona, located at 73-4161 Ulu Wini Place, will be closed Friday.<\/p>\n However, E-Box food distribution remains scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at both locations to make sure families have what they need before the storm. Open to everyone, no preregistration.<\/p>\n Post-storm distributions will be announced as soon as conditions are safe. Call 808-933-6030 with any questions or additional information.<\/p>\n Water conservation<\/p>\n Hawai\u2018i County Department of Water Supply officials urge residents to prepare for possible disruptions to drinking water service as Tropical Storm Nolo is expected to affect the island through the weekend.<\/p>\n Severe weather and high winds could disrupt electrical power and other infrastructure needed to operate the county\u2019s water system.<\/p>\n Such disruptions could lead to temporary or extended service interruptions. Customers are asked to build an emergency supply of drinking water and conserve water.<\/p>\n Residents should limit tap water use to essential needs, including drinking, cooking and personal hygiene, until weather conditions improve. Conservation will help preserve water in storage tanks for essential household needs and emergency firefighting.<\/p>\n People who rely on a continuous supply of county water should assess their needs and make arrangements before the storm arrives.<\/p>\n Check the Department of Water Supply Water Emergency Preparedness Guide<\/a>\u00a0for additional information about how to safely store drinking water.<\/p>\n Hawai\u2018i County Department of Water Supply can be reached at 808-961-8050 during normal business hours. After-hours water emergencies can be reported at 808-961-8790. You can also email the department at dws@hawaiidws.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Young Brothers shipping schedule update<\/p>\n Young Brothers is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Nolo in coordination with government and relevant state agencies. The storm is forecasted to strengthen into a major hurricane during the next few days.<\/p>\n Accordingly, the shipping firm expects operational changes and will adjust its sailing schedule and gate times to mitigate any impacts.<\/p>\n Sailing schedule updates<\/p>\n Honolulu to Kawaihae sailing;\u00a0Thursday, Sept. 24: CANCELED<\/p>\n The port is expected to operate normal gate hours Thursday for acceptance of all cargo.<\/p>\n The port is expected to be CLOSED on Friday as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard.<\/p>\n All sailing schedules remain subject to change based on Coast Guard and Hawai\u2019i Department of Transportation Harbors Division decisions regarding harbor access, restrictions, reopening status and safe operating conditions.<\/p>\n Visit the Young Brothers website<\/a>\u00a0and sign up for customer notices<\/a>.<\/p>\n Young Brothers will continue to provide updates as they become available.<\/p>\n General safety information<\/p>\n Know the areas prone to flooding, especially near your home, and use extra caution around them. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it\u2019s not raining where you are.<\/p>\n Be prepared for road closures and extended power outages.<\/p>\n Never try to cross moving water on foot or in a vehicle: \u201cTurn around, don\u2019t drown.\u201d Have a \u201cgo bag\u201d ready in case you must evacuate, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents and other necessities for members of your household, including pets, if you need to leave in a hurry.<\/p>\n Check the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that could block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.<\/p>\n Check in with neighbors, especially those who might have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.<\/p>\n Stay informed<\/p>\n Sign up for Hawai\u2018i County Civil Defense emergency alerts<\/a>, and pay attention to the Hawai\u2018i County Hazard Impact Map<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a>P\u0101hoa High and Intermediate School. (File Photo: Courtesy P\u0101hoa High and Intermediate School Facebook page)<\/p>\n<\/a>Courtesy Graphic: The Food Basket \u2014 Hawai\u2019i Island\u2019s food bank<\/p>\n<\/a>File Image<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo File: Courtesy Young Brothers<\/p>\n<\/a>File Image<\/p>\n
Monitor local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and potential hazards.<\/p>\n