Thunderstorms may keep rumbling
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
Island residents waking up to patches of blue sky should not put their umbrellas away, as the thunder and lightning show from the past two days could resume today.
Umbrellas mushroomed all around O'ahu yesterday, including this cluster near the state Capitol. A flash-flood watch issued yesterday by the National Weather Service will remain in effect through this afternoon for all islands but the Big Island.
A flash-flood watch issued yesterday by the National Weather Service will remain in effect through this afternoon for all islands but the Big Island, where a flood advisory was in effect until 1 this morning. Forecaster Maureen Ballard said the weather should begin to clear up this evening, but not before the possibility of more thunderstorms.
"It's one of those things where just because you see some sunshine in the morning doesn't mean that it's over," Ballard said. "There will certainly be a possibility of seeing some stuff (this) afternoon."
The wet weather is being caused by an upper-level low-pressure system near the state and is common this time of year, she said.
"We're making that transition into our wet season, so this isn't all that unusual," Ballard said.
Yesterday, heavy rain fell over much of O'ahu, accompanied by flashes of lightning and claps of thunder. Nearly three inches of rain were recorded at Schofield Barracks during a 24-hour period ending at 8:45 last night.
More than an inch of rain was recorded in Kahuku, the Wilson Tunnel, Moanalua, Poamoho and in the normally dry Makua area, the weather service reported.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
There were no reports of serious flooding or damage. But a large tree fell on Roundtop Drive last night and forced police to close the road near the 4100 block at about 8:45 p.m. Police said it was raining steadily in the area, but they were not sure last night what caused the tree to fall.
The view from the Pali Lookout, with Käne'ohe under showers in the late afternoon yesterday.
On Kaua'i, multiple lightning strikes Sunday night knocked out power to various communities. Parts of Koloa were without power for an hour and 45 minutes, with electric service restored at approximately 11 p.m. The Lihu'e and Kapa'a areas had a half-hour outage.
Kaua'i Island Utility Co-op operations supervisor Carey Koide said the firm identified three major strikes and numerous minor lightning strikes overnight, but that by mid-morning yesterday the system was operating properly.
Civil Defense authorities reported Kuhio Highway was closed in Hanalei Sunday night due to flooding, and there were various reports of minor flooding.
Advertiser staff writers Mike Gordon and Jan Tenbruggencate contributed to this report. Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.
