A powerful Kona storm has produced extensive hawaii flooding and wind damage across the islands, forcing widespread road closures and shelter openings while Hawaiian Electric says crews have restored electricity to 217, 000 customers but about 86, 000 customers remain without power as of 9: 00 pm ET.
Hawaii Flooding: Power Restoration Progress And Remaining Outages
Hawaiian Electric said crews and contractors repaired most major transmission lines and restored power for roughly 217, 000 customers on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island. The utility said that as of 9: 00 pm ET about 86, 000 customers who are currently without power will remain overnight because unsafe weather, flooding or accessibility issues prevent personnel from making assessments or repairs.
The utility described the storm as repeatedly knocking down trees and blowing vegetation and debris into lines, with some lightning-related damage also observed. HECO emphasized it is prioritizing damage assessment and repairs that will restore electricity for the largest number of customers first, with emergency facilities such as hospitals and water companies prioritized.
Crews cleared large trees and repaired poles and lines in at least one Leeward neighborhood, allowing roughly 10, 000 customers to regain power after earlier outages. In other areas the utility cited a range of figures for outages across service territories — including a reported total of about 58, 300 customers without electricity in various locations and localized outage counts in Maui and other districts — reflecting an evolving situation as assessments continue.
Road Closures, Shelters And Rescue Operations
The Kona storm has forced widespread road closures and property damage from flooding, landslides, sinkholes and downed power lines. The National Weather Service anticipates severe weather will continue through Sunday, and officials warn that ongoing hawaii flooding and high winds will continue to hinder repairs and travel.
Maui Fire Department conducted floodwater rescues overnight in South Maui, and dozens of people who were cut off in Hāna by road washouts are now at a shelter. The Maui Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross began opening shelters proactively and more than 100 people are using shelters countywide. Shelters are providing cots, food and water; people are asked to bring bedding, essential supplies and medications, and pets are permitted if crated.
Several key roads are closed or inaccessible: travel on Hāna Highway into East Maui is blocked by multiple roadway obstructions, South Kīhei Road is closed north of Waipuilani, and all of North Kīhei Road is closed. Haleakalā National Park’s summit and Kīpahulu districts are also closed. Emergency officials have strongly advised against driving through pooling or moving water and are urging residents and visitors to stay off roadways unless travel is essential to allow emergency access and minimize safety concerns.
Access Challenges, Inspections And What Comes Next
Damage assessments and repairs have been stalled in places by flash flooding, downed trees and road closures, including a massive sinkhole in South Maui that blocked access. At around 11: 00 am ET Saturday, a helicopter was cleared to fly and begin inspections of storm-damaged high-voltage transmission lines that carry power over the Koolau ridgeline to Windward Oahu and East Honolulu.
Officials cautioned that repairing some transmission and distribution damage could take anywhere from hours to days or longer because crews must navigate mountainous terrain and hazardous conditions. Outages are also affecting traffic signals; drivers are advised to treat impacted intersections as four-way stops.
The county has activated emergency measures, and a mayoral emergency proclamation was signed earlier to allow access to state and federal assistance and to speed deployment of resources. With the National Weather Service maintaining flood watches and high-wind warnings in effect through the period, officials say continued severe weather will shape the pace of inspections, repairs and shelter needs in the coming days.
