Power outages prompt 7 public schools to close on Oahu
UPDATE: 1 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued an alert for portions of Hawaii island, warning of showers, along with strong gusty winds through 2 p.m.
At 12:22 p.m., radar was tracking showers with strong, gusty winds 15 miles southwest of Kailua-Kona, moving northeast at 30 mph. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph are expected.
Locations impacted include Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Waikoloa Village, Puuanahulu, Honaunau, Kahaluu-Keauhou, Kainaliu, Honalo, Kealakekua, Kalaoa, Holualoa, Puako, Kohala Ranch, Hawaiian Ocean View, Kamuela, Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona International Airport, Milolii, Waikoloa Beach and Mauna Lani.
If outdoors, NWS said, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A flood watch remains in effect for Maui County and Hawaii island until 6 p.m. this evening.
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9:31 a.m.
Both lanes of Highway 11 between Pahala and Naalehu between mile markers 56 and 63 have reopened on Hawaii island.
On Oahu, Hawaiian Electric crews are busy responding to multiple outages across the island.
7:01 a.m.
Due to storm-related outages at 30 Oahu public schools, seven schools as of 6:30 a.m. will be closed today:
>> Farrington High School
>> Kalihi Kai Elementary
>> Kalihi Uka Elementary
>> Kalihi Elementary
>> Ma‘ema‘e Elementary
>> Nu‘uanu Elementary
>> Pu‘uhale Elementary
Officials said affected schools are alerting their communities. All other public schools will remain open, according to the Hawaii State Department of Education in a news release.
6:06 a.m.
The National Weather Service has canceled a flash flood warning for Hawaii island. A flash flood watch remains in effect for the island until tonight.
One lane on Highway 11 between Naalehu and Punaluu in the area of the 60-mile marker is open. Highway 11 from mile marker 57 to 63 in Kau is also open.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
A powerful storm knocked out power to thousands of Hawaiian Electric customers throughout Oahu.
The outages occurred as heavy rainfall drenched the island in the early morning hours.
More than 4,800 customers experienced an outage in the areas of Iwilei, Kalihi, Kalihi Valley, Kapalama, Liliha, Moanalua and Palama.
In Windward Oahu, approximately 3,440 customers are without power in Kailua, Kaneohe, Mokapu and Waikalua.
The storm also knocked out power to more than 1,000 customers in Hauula, Kaaawa, Kahana Valley, Kualoa, Laie, Punaluu, Waiahole and Waikane.
On the North Shore, about 2,850 customers do not have power in Haleiwa, Kahuku, Kawailoa, Pupukea, Sunset Beach and Waimea.
In Leeward Oahu, more than 2,380 customers primarily in Barbers Point, Kalaeloa, Kapolei, Ko Olina and Makakilo are also affected.
In Central and West Oahu, approximately 1,000 customers are without power in Palisades, Pearl City, Waiawa, Waikele, Waipahu and Waipio.
The National Weather Service has canceled a flash flood warning for Oahu.
A flash flood watch is now in effect for the island and Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii island through this afternoon.
The weather service also extended a flash flood warning for Hawaii island to 8 a.m. today.
Police said one lane is open on Highway 11 from mile marker 57 to 63 in Kau.
Kalahiki Road remains closed due to flooding.
Forecasters said light to moderate rain fell at a rate of fewer than 0.5 inches per hour at 4:45 a.m. today.
The weather service expects flash flooding to impact Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Pahala, Punaluu Beach, Volcano, Kawa Flats, Naalehu, Fern Forest, Waiohinu, Discovery Harbour and Kalapana.
The public is urged to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches and culverts. Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water.