HONOLULU — Families in Katy with relatives or friends in Hawaiʻi may want to check in as Hurricane Lowell approaches the islands and brings the potential for heavy rain, dangerous surf, strong winds and flooding.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu says Hurricane Lowell is forecast to pass west of Kauaʻi’s coastal waters, with a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. Forecasters warn that impacts from the hurricane could extend hundreds of miles from the storm’s center, meaning heavy rainfall, high surf and other hazardous conditions could affect additional islands. (National Weather Service)
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, or HIEMA, is urging people across the islands to review emergency plans and prepare for possible power outages, dangerous winds, high surf, heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Officials have highlighted particular concern for the western portion of the state, including Niʻihau, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu. (Hawaiʻi Department of Defense)
In Honolulu, conditions Sunday morning were cloudy and humid, with showers expected to increase. Rain associated with Lowell is expected to become a greater concern Monday.
Katy Residents With Family in Hawaiʻi Should Check In Now
For Katy-area residents with parents, children, relatives or friends living or vacationing in Hawaiʻi, it may be easier to make contact before conditions deteriorate or cellular networks become congested.
If a normal phone call does not go through, do not immediately assume something is wrong. Storms can cause power failures, damage communications infrastructure and overload cellular networks.
The American Red Cross recommends trying several methods when attempting to contact someone after a disaster. Text messages may go through even when voice calls do not. Families can also try email, social media, mutual friends, neighbors, employers or other people who may know the person’s whereabouts. (American Red Cross)
A short message such as “Are you safe? Please reply when you can” may be more useful than repeatedly calling.
Families should consider these steps:
- Send a text message first. Texts often require less network capacity than voice calls and may still be delivered when cellular networks are congested. (FCC Documents)
- Try messaging apps or social media if cellular calling is unavailable.
- Contact another relative or neighbor in Hawaiʻi who may be closer to your loved one.
- Avoid repeated calls every few seconds. Give the network time before trying again.
- Ask relatives in Hawaiʻi to keep their phones charged and, if available, keep portable battery banks ready in case electricity is interrupted.
If You Cannot Locate a Loved One
The American Red Cross provides family reunification assistance following disasters.
People who are unable to locate a family member affected by a current disaster can contact the Red Cross. Reunification assistance may be particularly important for older adults, people with medical or accessibility needs, military-connected families and families separated during evacuations. (American Red Cross)
The American Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Families can also use the Red Cross reunification resources online to request help locating someone affected by a disaster. (American Red Cross)
If you know the island where your family member is located, following that county’s emergency agency can also provide more specific information.
Hawaiʻi Emergency Contacts and Alerts
Hawaiʻi operates separate emergency alert systems for its four counties. HIEMA says residents can receive free text or email notifications regarding natural disasters and other emergencies. (Hawaiʻi Department of Defense)
Emergency management phone numbers include:
- Oʻahu / Honolulu County: 808-723-8960
- Maui County: 808-270-7285
- Kauaʻi County: 808-241-1800
- Hawaiʻi County / Big Island: 808-935-0031
- Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: 808-733-4300 (Hawaiʻi Department of Defense)
These agencies should not be used simply to request routine weather information, but their official websites and alert systems can help families track conditions affecting a particular island.
Families Should Know Which Island Their Loved Ones Are On
Hawaiʻi is not one single weather location. Conditions can be significantly different between Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
That becomes especially important with Lowell. Current guidance places greater concern on the western portion of the state, while the storm’s exact track and the reach of its rainfall can still change. HIEMA recommends that residents throughout the islands remain prepared and monitor official forecasts. (Hawaiʻi Department of Defense)
Katy residents checking on loved ones should therefore know not only that they are “in Hawaiʻi,” but also which island, city and neighborhood they are staying in.
Monitor Official Information
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center and National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office are the primary federal sources for hurricane and local weather information affecting Hawaiʻi. HIEMA also recommends signing up for county emergency alerts and having multiple ways of receiving emergency information. (Hawaiʻi Department of Defense)
Conditions surrounding a hurricane can change quickly. Families in Katy should continue checking official information throughout the day and maintain contact with relatives in Hawaiʻi when possible.
