Hawaii Faces Power Outages as Gusty Winds and Showers Hit
Hawaii is grappling with severe weather conditions, leading to widespread power outages and travel disruptions. A series of weather advisories issued today warn residents of strong winds and continuous rain showers affecting all Hawaiian Islands.
Current Weather Warnings
A flood advisory is in place for Maui County until 4:45 p.m. today. Radar updates show heavy rainfall in Windward Maui, with some areas receiving between 1 to 2 inches of rain hourly. Flooding is possible along major highways, including Kahekili and Hana Highways.
Affected Areas
- Kahului
- Kihei
- Lahaina
- Makawao
- Pukalani
- Haliimaile
- Haiku-Pauwela
- Kula
- Paia
- Pauwela
- Huelo
- Puunene
- Keanae
- Maalaea
- Wailuku
- Waiehu
- Waikapu
- Waihee
- Nahiku
- Kipahulu
Power Outages Across the Islands
As of noon today, approximately 10,350 customers are without electricity across Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui County. The majority of outages are affecting areas in Honolulu, including Manoa, Kalihi, and Aiea.
Power Restoration Efforts
Hawaiian Electric Co. has mobilized over 150 crews to restore power. Weather-related debris, such as fallen trees, is primarily responsible for the outages. Restoration efforts will continue as conditions permit.
Travel and Safety Recommendations
With high winds expected until 6 p.m. Monday, hazardous driving conditions are a concern. Northeast winds are forecasted at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph or more.
Some highways have restricted access. Hana Highway is limited to local traffic due to fallen trees and landslides, especially for residents in East Maui. Additionally, the public is warned against non-essential travel as road conditions may worsen.
Government and Emergency Response
Governor Josh Green has announced closures for all Hawaii public schools, including the University of Hawaii campuses, and essential state workers are the only personnel expected to report to work. Emergency shelters have been established in multiple districts of Hawaii Island for those displaced by the severe weather.
Emergency Shelters
- Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road, Waimea
- Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaau
- Honokaʻa Sports Complex Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honokaʻa
- Papaʻaloa Park Community Center, 35-1994 Government Main Road, Papaʻaloa
Water Conservation Request
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has requested residents to conserve water due to potential impacts on pumping and distribution systems from the ongoing power outages. Residents are advised to limit water use to essential needs.
Future Weather Projections
Though the severe weather is expected to continue into Monday, forecasts indicate a shift in conditions by Monday night. The threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms should diminish, but residents may still experience scattered showers throughout the week.
For continuous updates and emergency notifications, residents are encouraged to stay informed via local news sources, including Filmogaz.com.
