More than 100,000 without power in Hawaii as Lala downgraded to tropical storm

By Michelle Conlin and Norihiko Shirouzu

Aug 16 (Reuters) – Almost 130,000 utility customers in Hawaii had no power on Sunday morning after Hurricane Lala brushed the Big Island before being downgraded to a tropical storm.

Data from poweroutageus.com as of 4:35 a.m. HST (1435 GMT) indicated that most of the affected areas were on the Big Island, Honolulu County and Maui County. Hawaiian Electric warned customers Saturday evening that the repair efforts were hampered by the hurricane-force winds and rain, citing flooded roadways and downed trees.  

Video released by the Hawaii Department of Transportation showed flood waters overtaking roads. Authorities reported one dead in a car-related incident. Two homes were swept away, according to the National Weather Service. 

Big Island resident Cynthia Totty-Hefley said on Saturday she had “a little anxiety” about rising water. “What I’m most worried about is… the ocean coming into my house,” she told local station KITV.

An advisory from the National Hurricane Center at 2 a.m. HST predicted another 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) of rain on the Big Island and windward Maui, which would mean as much as 30 to 35 inches (76-89 cm) overall since Lala started lashing Hawaii late Friday. Though the storm barely skirted landfall, Governor Josh Green cautioned islanders to shelter in place as forecasters warned of substantial damage.

Although U.S. weather officials downgraded Lala to a tropical storm, its maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (112 km/h) were just below hurricane status. The hurricane center continued to warn of “life-threatening” conditions. 

Lala’s maximum sustained winds on Saturday reached 75 mph (120 km/h), making it a Category 1 hurricane. 

The Hawaii Department of Transportation said Saturday it closed Hilo International Airport and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, with both expected to reopen Sunday. State officials advised travelers to check with their airlines for updates. 

(Reporting by Michelle Conlin in New York and Norihiko Shirouzu in Austin, Texas; Editing by Sergio Non and Chizu Nomiyama)