All Hawaii public schools, including the University of Hawaii, will close and only essential state workers will report to work on Monday as a powerful winter storm continues to pound the islands, Gov. Josh Green and other state officials announced today.

“We want you to be safe,” said Green, urging people to only go out if necessary. Green said workers in the public sector should check with their supervisor if they are working.

Employees affected by the office closure should not report to work and will be granted administrative leave except for departmental disaster and emergency coordinators, disaster response workers and employees whose work are involved in critical operations and services such as hospital and correctional workers.

Green and state emergency management and public safety officials held a news conference before noon today to provide updates on the severe weather and urge residents statewide to take precautions. Also attending the news conference were Hawaii Adjutant General Stephen F. Logan, state Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi, state Transportation Director Ed Sniffen, and John H. Bravender, the National Weather Service’s warning coordination meteorologist in Hawaii.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.