High winds cause thousands to lose power as storm system slams Hawaii
The state of Hawaii is bracing for more impacts from a storm system that brought high winds, heavy rain and snow.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced Sunday that all schools and public buildings -- including the State Legislature, the University of Hawaii and libraries -- would be closed Monday in preparation for a significant storm system that had already brought winds high enough to take down trees and power lines.
Over the weekend, gusts of 50 to 73 mph were recorded on the islands, with the strongest winds downwind of the higher terrain, through valleys, and in other local acceleration areas.
On Monday, widespread high winds, heavy rainfall, and heavy mountain snow slammed Hawaii as a result of a low-pressure system south of the state and a high-pressure system north of the islands, squeezing the pressure gradient overhead.
A high wind warning for gusts up to 60 mph is in effect until 6 p.m. local time.
In addition, many of the islands have seen heavy rainfall over the last 48 hours.
The highest elevations on most islands have seen a foot or more of rainfall over the weekend.
Lower elevations have seen anywhere from 0.5 to 3 inches of rainfall accumulation in the last 48 hours.
Hilo received 2.53 inches of rain, while Kahului saw 1.33 inches and Honolulu saw .6 inches.
The heaviest rainfall will continue to focus over the windward portions of the islands, letting up Monday afternoon.
Big Island summits over 12,000 feet could see a foot or more of snow on Monday.
Conditions will improve across the islands Monday afternoon, and weather should return to normal Tuesday through the end of the week, with normal trade winds and passing showers.
Drought is significant across Maui and the Big Island, where extreme drought, level 3 out of 4, is found in portions of both islands.
While rain helps with drought, too much at once can lead to dangerous flash flooding and significant runoff, which can harm vegetation and soil health.
A member of Green's staff witnessed a tree fall on a power line on Sunday morning, he said in a press conference. More than 12,000 people -- mostly in Oahu and Maui County -- were without power on Sunday afternoon, according to Hawaiian Electric Co.
Green issued an emergency proclamation ahead of the storm.
"The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority," Green said in a statement. "We know this storm system could bring conditions that make travel unsafe and threaten property. Please take this time to secure your home, check on loved ones and heed guidance from emergency officials."
