This is a Civil Defense Message.
This is a Tropical Storm Darby update for Friday July 22nd at 11:00 PM.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County. A high surf warning for east facing shores is also in effect.
As of 11 PM tonight, Tropical Storm Darby is located about 150 miles east-southeast of Hilo moving to the west at 10 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 60 miles per hour with higher gusts.
The public is advised tropical storm force winds and heavy rains could start as early as midnight tonight for East Hawaii. Residents are urged to stay off roads if at all possible.
Hele-On Bus service will be suspended starting early Saturday morning until further notice.
Umauma Bridge on Highway 19 will be closed indefinitely starting at midnight with a detour through Old Mamalahoa Highway.
If possible and safe, shelter in place or with family and friends. Otherwise, the following pet-friendly emergency shelters are open: Waiakea High, Kalanianaole Elementary, Keaau High, Pahoa High, Honokaa High and Intermediate, Kealakehe High, Konawaena High and Ka’u High.
Other shelters that are not able to accommodate pets are open at Hilo High, Laupahoehoe Community Charter School, Mountain View Elementary, Waikoloa Elementary, and Kohala High and Elementary. Bring your own bedding, food, water, medicines and any personal items you may need.
Monitor your local radio broadcasts for information updates and go to hawaiicounty.gov for the details of this message.