The powerful Kona low storm system has lifted well north of Hawaii, but Maui County and Hawaii island are bracing for the possibility of flash flooding while strong winds may continue to batter portions of Oahu and Kauai through tonight.
About 49,000 Hawaiian Electric customers across the state remain in the dark from overnight power outages.
Moderate to heavy rain showers will continue pounding Leeward Hawaii island and Maui today while conditions mostly improve over the western end of the state, but the forecast calls for more wet weather continuing through this week, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say a new rainband has developed and moved over Kauai, and was expected to travel over to Oahu later this morning.
“Latest guidance suggests a gradual depicts an overall downward trend in rainfall across the Hawaiian islands within the next 24 to 36 hours, as the primary rainbands shift east of the state by early Monday morning,” according to the forecast.
A flood watch for Maui County and Hawaii island remains until tonight as the storm located northwest of the state draws deep tropical moisture northward across the Hawaiian Islands.
Don’t miss out on what’s happening!
Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It’s FREE!
Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible on Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe through late tonight.
Persistent bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms may produce intense rainfall rates, possibly flooding roads and low-lying areas, forecasters report.
“Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving. Make sure tents and awnings are secure or take them down. Be prepared for power outages,” according to the forecast.
Strong southwesterly winds will bring large, rough surf to the western shores of Hawaii island as a high surf advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. today. Surf of 7 to 10 feet is forecast for the west-facing shores of Hawaii island.
A wind advisory is now in effect for portions of Oahu and Kauai until 6 p.m. today.
Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are forecast for Kauai east, Kauai mountains, Kauai north, Central Oahu, Koolau Leeward, Koolau Windward, Oahu North Shore, Olomana and Waianae mountains.
As of 8 a.m, today, about 49,000 Hawaiian Electric customers remain without power across Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui. More than 300 HECO crew members have been in the field assessing damage and making repairs.
“Each island is in a different phase of recovery as the storm makes its way down the island chain. Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to areas they can access to begin assessing damages and make repairs,” according to a news release from HECO.
Overnight and early this morning, HECO restored power to 30,000 customers across the three counties.
Still, about 13,000 customers remain without electricity on Oahu including portions of Wahiawa, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Manoa, Kahala, Kaimuki, Kaneohe, Kailua and Hawaii Kai. About 9,300 customers remain without power in Upcountry, South and East Maui as aerial inspections of East Maui and Kula begin today weather permitting. About 27,000 customers remain in the dark in Puna, North and South Kona and South Point as HECO crews work on field inspections and repair transmission lines.
“All customers are urged to stay prepared for potential extended outages through the remainder of today into early next week as the storm continues to make its way across the state,” according a HECO statement.
A high wind warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. today for the summits of Hawaii island and Haleakala. Motorists in high-profile vehicles are urged to drive with extreme caution as southwest winds of 80 to 100 mph with high gusts whip on Hawaii island summits and southwest winds of 50 to 65 mph with higher gusts.
“Winds this strong can make driving and walking dangerous. The winds can forcefully open doors and damage hinges or slam doors shut, possibly causing injuries,” according to the forecast.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.