News Release

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Closes in Preparation for Hurricane Douglas

Predicted path of Hurricane Douglas as of 11:00 a.m., 7/25/20

NOAA/NWS Map

News Release Date: July 25, 2020

Contact: Andrew LaValle, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, HI – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will close beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th, in anticipation of Hurricane Douglas. Douglas may bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf to parts of Hawaiʻi beginning as early as tonight.

Park staff are preparing for the storm by stowing any loose items like garbage cans or sheets of plywood, and securing doors, windows and screens. Emergency workers on Friday also prepared chainsaws and other tools to respond to any damage caused by the storm, like fallen trees blocking roadways. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaiʻi Island. As of 11:00 a.m. HST, the storm was about 320 miles east of Hilo, moving west-northwest or 290 degrees at 18 mph.

The closure, including the Kahuku Unit, will remain in effect until the storm has passed and the park is clear of hazards. Check the park website for updates. Crater Rim Drive to Kilauea Military Camp will remain open for essential services.

For Civil Defense updates for the County of Hawai‘i, go to http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/

 

-NPS-