Even with the storm weakening, emergency workers are preparing for flooding and damage. Federal, state, and county agencies are bracing for the worst.
With the storm hours away from bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the islands, the state civil defense's emergency operations center was busy making preparations. Officials say the different agencies from the federal, state, and county levels have been activated for the past several days, preparing for the storm.
"They have done all the precautionary measures that need to be done which includes the clearing up of culverts and rivers and streams and all the waterways,” said Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona.
The lieutenant governor says it is now up to the residents to be prepared and stay vigilant. While the storm is weaker than earlier forecasts, flooding and power outages are still possible.
So residents are advised to have the necessary provisions.
"Which include water, blankets, of course radios and batteries because we need to make sure that if we do lose any electrical power that we be prepared,” said Aiona.
Aiona says emergency shelters are ready to open if necessary.
A list of shelters is available at the state civil defense website.
Aiona says it's important for residents to know which is close to their area.
Tourists are also advised to be prepared. Hotels are keeping them informed, while stocking up on emergency supplies.
"Getting sandbags ready if they're oceanfront properties, they've taken all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of their guests,” said the state’s tourism liaison, Marsha Wienert.
An approaching storm could hurt the already ailing tourism industry. But the state's tourism liaison says Felicia has not had a negative impact.
"We have not seen any, the increase in the normal volume of cancellation has not happened and so we're not seeing cancellations,” said Wienert.
Wienert says national news reports of the storm have been accurate enough and are not scaring visitors away.
