Hawaii is bracing for its third close-passing storm in months, and shelters are already open — reassuring for residents, but a sign of strain on the islands' emergency system.

• Four shelters opened overnight in Kauai County, with more expected on Hawaii County and Maui County.
• Volunteers, staff, and supplies were pre-positioned across the islands over the past four days.
• This is the third hurricane or tropical storm to come near Hawaii in a short stretch, following Kiko and Lowell.
• Key areas at risk of being cut off from supplies during a storm have now been mapped, and locally trained volunteer crews are being built up there.
• People heading to shelters are told to bring several days of food, water, medicine, and pet supplies — the centers are refuge, not full service.

Outlook: More shelters are set to open on Hawaii and Maui counties as Nolo approaches, with the Red Cross asking for additional local volunteers.