Sunny skies only a brief reprieve from the rains

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The recent heavy rains and strong winds took the holiday off yesterday, but the reprieve is expected to be short-lived with rain showers returning today.

Yesterday's clear skies and mild winds were forecast to give way to rain and possible thunderstorms last night, said National Weather Service lead forecaster Jeff Powell. But the winds should become variable at just 5 to 15 mph, he said.

These conditions are expected to last through Thursday, with the trade winds and more showers beginning Friday.

Powell said O'ahu and Maui were in a "dry slot" yesterday, but the rest of the state was covered with clouds.

Over the weekend and through yesterday morning, the nasty weather caused power failures that affected 10,000 O'ahu residents. Major failures were reported in Manoa, Niu Valley, '!=inakoa and Pohakupu.

Hawaiian Electric Co. spokesman Fred Kobashikawa said all of the affected areas had their power restored and there were no reports of failures by yesterday afternoon.

Staff writer Mike Gordon contributed to this report.