High winds and heavy rains struck the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday, causing significant disruptions. The storm prompted the state government to make the cautious decision to close public schools, libraries, and non-essential services on Monday.
Governor Josh Green emphasized safety during a press conference. He shared a real-life incident where a tree fell on a power line, underscoring the storm’s dangers. “We want to ensure everyone is safe,” he stated. Essential services will remain operational, but everyone else is encouraged to stay home.
As of Sunday afternoon, over 12,700 residents were without power. Hawaiian Electric Co. had already restored power to around 45,000 customers in the prior 24 hours. The most affected areas on Oʻahu included Nānākuli and Honolulu, with smaller outages reported across Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island.
In preparation for worsening conditions, mayors across the islands declared emergencies and shut down non-essential services. Emergency shelters have opened, and residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel due to falling trees and flooding. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and high wind warning expected to continue through Monday.
Rainfall has been intense, with some regions on the Big Island experiencing up to 3 inches in just one hour, raising concerns about flooding and landslides. National Guardsmen are ready to assist with evacuations and deliver supplies.
People were also urged to stay indoors over the weekend, even affecting Super Bowl plans, as officials advised increased caution on the roads.
A survey conducted by the University of Hawaii found that 70% of residents were prepared for such storms. However, many were still caught off-guard, showing that awareness and preparation remain key. Ready.gov and HIEMA offer resources to help residents prepare for severe weather.
The storm alerts serve as a reminder of Hawaii’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the importance of heeding official warnings. As the storm subsides, residents are hopeful for improvements in the coming days.
For more on storm preparedness, visit Ready.gov or the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
