Most of the city’s about 10,000 employees were sent home early today — at 3 p.m. — in anticipation of Tropical Storm Flossie moving over Oahu tonight.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell made the announcement at noon, saying he wanted to allow non-emergency city workers enough time to get home safely. He said he also wanted to prevent major traffic jams during the normal pau hana commute times.

“A lot of precaution is being taken here,” Caldwell said. 

The early workday will not apply to essential employees, including police, fire, sewer and bus workers, he said. Municipal golf courses, the zoo and satellite city hall locations will close at 3 p.m.

Caldwell said the decision stands until he declares the emergency situation for Honolulu over. He said that could come around midnight, as Flossie is expected to hit Oahu by 9 p.m. with the first effects coming about 6 p.m.