UPDATE: 9:55 p.m.
Hawaiian Electric Co. officials warned of “challenging” days ahead, urging urging customers to prepare for potential extended overnight power outages as powerful winds continue to buffet the islands.
HECO said in a 9 p.m. update that wind has been “particularly powerful” in West Maui, with gusts up to 70 mph, and in Leeward Oahu, which saw gusts up to 50 mph.
“The company urges customers to continue planning for potential extended outages, keeping safety as the priority at all times, and thanks them in advance for their patience with what we know will be a challenging next several days,” company officials said in the update.
As of about 9 p.m., 14,200 Oahu customers were without power in various parts of the island; in Upcountry Maui, about 1,300 customers will remain without power overnight; and on Hawaii island, about 2,500 customers in the Mountain View and Kurtistown have no electricity due to a motor vehicle accident that damaged a utility pole.
The brunt of the weekend storm has moved over Maui County and Hawaii island, with Maui, Molokai and the Big Island under flood advisory through late tonight.
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6:25 p.m.
Hawaiian Electric Co. officials said as of 4 p.m. today about 12,700 customers mostly on Oahu, were without power, while crews restored power to about 45,000 other customers in the previous 24 hour.
HECO said more than 150 employees and contractors have been working to restore power.
Of the roughly 12,700 customers were without power at 4 p.m., 12,400 were on Oahu, including in Nanakuli, Makakilo, Kalihi, Honolulu and Manoa; about 300 were in Maui County, primarily on Molokai and Upcountry Maui; and about eight customers were on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island.
“Because of the dynamic nature of the storm system, outage numbers represent a snapshot in time and are subject to change as additional customers are restored and more outages occur, sometimes in the same area,” HECO officials said in a news release. “Customers can track current outages at hawaiianelectric.com/outagemap and on the mobile app. Outages can also be reported through the app.”
Hawaiian Electric Trouble Lines
>> Oahu: 1-855-304-1212
>> Maui County: 1-855-304-8181
>> Hawaii island: 1-855-304-9191
6 p.m.
A flood advisory for Hawaii County is now in effect until 9 p.m. today.
At 5:28 p.m., the radar showed heavy rain showers over portions of the coastal and upslope areas of Hilo and Hamakua districts.
The heaviest rain measured was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, mostly between Hawi and Laupahoehoe. Forecasters report possible flooding in stream channels and along portions of Highway 19.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Kapaau, Honokaa, Paauilo, Kukuihaele, Waipio Valley, Kamuela, Waimanu Valley, Ookala, Laupahoehoe, Pololu Valley, Ninole, Kohala Ranch, Halaula, Hakalau, Honomu, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Papaikou, Mahukona and Paukaa.
The flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands remains until 6 p.m. Monday.
5 p.m.
A flood advisory is now in effect until 7:45 p.m. for Maui County as flooding caused by rain showers continue.
At 4:40 p.m., the radar showed heavy rain over portions of Windward Maui. The heaviest rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour between Kianae and Kipahulu in eastern Maui. This could result in flooding along portions of Hana Highway and Kahekili Highway.
Some locations forecast to experience flooding include Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao, Pukalani, Haliimaile, Haiku-Pauwela, Kula, Paia, Pauwela, Huelo, Puunene, Keanae, Maalaea, Wailuku, Waiehu, Waikapu, Waihee, Nahiku and
Kipahulu.
4:15 p.m.
All YMCA of Honolulu branches and programs will be closed Monday due to the severe weather conditions.
Programs closed Monday include YMCA A+ Afterschool, teen and kupuna programs, preschools and early learning centers, and swim lessons, according to a news release.
However, Central YMCA short-term accommodations will continue operations. Camp Erdman Yurt, Hale and Makai cabin renters will be moved to the Mauka Cabins.
3 p.m.
A high surf warning is now in effect for the eastern shores of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii island, Molokai and Kahoolawe, according to the National Weather Service.
Strong trade winds will draw large, very rough surf to the eastern shores through Monday night. Surf of 10 to 15 feet are forecast along the east-facing shores.
“Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels affected by the high surf until the surf subsides,” according to a statement.
2:22 p.m.
A slew of weather advisories remain in effect today as strong winds, rain showers and power outages continue to pummel the Hawaiian Isles.
A flood advisory remains in effect until 4:45 p.m. for Maui County. At 1:37 p.m., the radar showed heavy rains falling over portions of Windward Maui. The heaviest rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour between Kahakuloa and Kahului in western Maui, and between Kianae and Kipahulu in eastern Maui.
Flooding are possible along portions of the Kahekili and Hana Highways. Some locations that will experience flooding include Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao, Pukalani, Haliimaile, Haiku-Pauwela, Kula, Paia, Pauwela, Huelo, Puunene, Keanae, Maalaea, Wailuku, Waiehu, Waikapu, Waihee, Nahiku and Kipahulu.
The high wind warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for all Hawaiian Islands. Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph, and some areas with higher gusts of up to 70 mph.
“Strong winds may lead to property damage. Hazardous driving conditions due to powerful cross winds will pose a serious risk for drivers, especially for light weight and high profile vehicles. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly,” according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the Big Island summits, making travel very difficult to impossible. Periods of heavy snow with total snow accumulations of 10 to 16 inches are expected.
1:33 p.m.
Approximately 10,350 customers have been without power as of noon today across Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui County, according to a Hawaiian Electric Co. news release.
Nearly 9,850 customers are without power in Honolulu, Manoa, Kalihi, Aiea, Makakilo and Nanakuli areas as of noon.
A large tree toppled on Kuahine Drive in Manoa this morning as crews worked today to restore access to residents in the area.
On Hawaii island, about 160 customers are without power. About 350 customers on Maui County mostly on Molokai and Upcountry Maui are without power.
“More than 150 Hawaiian Electric crews and contractors are working across our service territory to address outages, mostly caused by trees and weather-related debris blown into our power lines,” according to a news release. “Work to restore customers will continue throughout the day as long as weather conditions remain safe to do so. Restoration may be delayed in some areas due to high winds.”
HECO cautions that customers should prepare for possible outages as a result of the stormy weather conditions.
12:47 p.m.
On Maui, Hana Highway has been restricted to local traffic only following reports of fallen trees and landslides. Residents and visitors living or staying in East Maui should be driving Hana Highway through Haiku or Kaupo sides, according to a news release.
On Hawaii island, shelters will be open in North Hilo, Hamakua and Kohala districts.
Shelters
>> Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road, Waimea.
>> Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaau.
>> Honokaa Sports Complex Gym, 45-541 Lehua St. Honokaa.
>> Papaaloa Park Community Center, 35-1994 Government Main Road, Papaaloa.
Hawaii County parks, beach parks and solid waste facilities will be closed today, while all non-essential county services will close Monday. The Hilo Municipal Golf Course and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens remains open today.
“We ask residents to avoid all non-essential travel as weather impacts are expected to continue to intensify through tomorrow,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda in a news release. “Crews are working hard to keep roads clear, but if you don’t need to go, stay home. Follow our emergency notifications as we will keep the public informed of any updates.”
Waipio Valley Road will be closed from noon today to 8 a.m. Tuesday. Access will be allowed for residents and farmers only.
12:17 p.m.
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has issued a water conservation request, asking customers to conserve water until further notice. The power outages may affect the facilities ability to pump and distribute water across the island.
“Customers are asked to conserve water and limit use to essential needs such as cooking, drinking, and personal hygiene. Please postpone non-essential uses, including car washing, irrigation, and other outdoor water use, until further notice,” according to a news release.
11:40 a.m.
Gov. Josh Green and other state officials today announced that all Hawaii public schools, including University of Hawaii campuses, will be closed Monday. Only essential state workers should report to work.
The Hawaii State Legislature will be closed Monday. All State and House committee hearing scheduled for Monday will be postponed and floor sessions will not be convened.
Watch a replay of the livestream here.
11:24 a.m.
All Oahu municipal golf courses and Honolulu Botanical Gardens have been closed including Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden where roadway flooding has been reported, according to the city.
Field closures of Central Oahu parks facilities includes Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, Hans L’Orange Neighborhood Park and Waipio Soccer Complex.
“Staff will reassess the gardens tomorrow morning to determine whether they are safe to reopen for public enjoyment,” according to a city news release.
Camping remains suspended until Feb. 11.
10:28 a.m.
The Oahu Emergency Operations was activated at 7 a.m. today in response to the severe weather across Hawaii, according to a city news release.
Residents are advised to take precautions such as turn around, don’t drown; evacuate to higher ground if they feel unsafe; be aware of the possible risk of electrocution; use extreme caution when venturing outdoors and check the weather forecast.
Meanwhile, Hawaiian Electric Co. crews are working to restore power to customers across Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui County affected by the powerful winds and stormy conditions.
As of 9 a.m. today, nearly 7,900 customers are without power in the Honolulu, Manoa, Aiea, Waiau and Nanakuli areas, while about 9,600 customers had their power restored. On Hawaii island, about 1,400 customers remain without power in Hilo and along the Hamakua coast, while nearly 1,500 customers had power restored by 6 a.m. About 450 customers on Maui County had their power restored, while crews are addressing outages primarily in Upcountry Maui.
“Hawaiian Electric crews and contractors are working across our service territory to address outages, many caused by trees and weather-related debris blown into our power lines. Our crews will continue to work to restore customers throughout the day as long as weather conditions remain safe to do so,” according to a statement from HECO.
HECO advises people to always treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous, staying at least 30 feet away. Customers are asked to call 911 or HECO’s Trouble Lines to report any dangerous situations such as downed power lines or sparking electrical equipment.
Hawaiian Electric Trouble Lines
>> Oahu: 1-855-304-1212
>> Maui County: 1-855-304-8181
>> Hawaii island: 1-855-304-9191
EARLIER COVERAGE
Hawaii is under a high wind warning and a flood watch today and Monday as a weekend storm continues to pummel the islands.
“An upper level low just west of the islands and windy trade winds will produce periods of heavy rain, a few thunderstorms and flash flooding threats lasting through Monday afternoon,” National Weather Service forecasters said today. “The highest threat for flash flooding will remain along the windward slopes of each island potentially driven by terrain anchored heavy showers.”
The high wind warning covers all Hawaiian islands from 6 a.m. Sunday until 6 p.m. Monday. “Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines and damage roofs. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” the warning says.
Forecasters expect northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
Hawaiian Electric Co.’s “outage maps” showed numerous power outages across Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island just after 8 a.m., including in Aina Haina, Aiea, Kailua and Hilo each affecting over 1,200 customers.
Power outages were a particular concern for sports fans eager to watch the Winter Olympics and today’s Super Bowl. HECO officials said before the storm hit that that they would increase staffing to deal with potential outages.
Separately, city officials announced this morning that the Honolulu Zoo will be temporarily closed today due the severe weather.
The weather service also warned that the strong winds can cause property damage.
“Hazardous driving conditions due to powerful cross-winds will pose a serious risk for drivers, especially for light weight and high profile vehicles,” forecasters said. “Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly … Stay away from downed power lines.”
The flood watch continues through Monday afternoon, with the greatest risk for flash flooding in windward areas, weather officials said. “Flood prone roads and other low-lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams,” the flood watch states. “Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff.”
Parts of the Big Island recorded the most rainfall this weekend ending, with an area from eastern Waimea town to Waipio Valley and to Honokaa reporting the state’s highest rainfall with over 7 inches of rain falling in a three-hour period.
A rain gauge in Honokaa also recorded over 10 inches of rain in the 24-hour period ending at about 7:45 a.m. today. Oahu saw rain totals ranging from less than an inch to less than 4 inches in the same time period, with Moanalua recording 3.71 inches.
NWS forecasters said the weather pattern will begin “to shift from Monday night into Tuesday as the upper low lingering just southwest of the Hawaiian islands begins to drift farther westward away from the state.” The shift will “effectively eliminating the threats of heavy rain and thunderstorms over the islands from Tuesday onward,” they said.
However, strong easterly tradewinds through the week will continue to bring scattered rain showers over the islands.
