Over 4k customers remain without power on Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Thousands of customers are without power as Tropical Storm Lala brings powerful winds and heavy rain across parts of the state.
Read more Pearl City Senior League champions reflect on victorious title run
Hawaiian Electric said crews, contractors and support staff have been deployed across its five-island service territory and are responding to outages caused by the storm’s outer bands.
As of 7 a.m. Saturday, about 4,050 customers were without power on Hawaii Island, mainly in Puna, North and South Kohala and South Hilo.
In Maui County, about 160 customers were without power in Upcountry Maui, while just over 100 customers were affected in the Hawaii Kai area on Oahu.
HECO warned that outage numbers could change quickly as the storm moves across the island chain and urged customers to prepare for the possibility of extended outages.
Restoration efforts
Hawaiian Electric said crews will begin damage assessments as soon as conditions are safe.
The utility said restoration efforts will prioritize safety and essential community services, while working to restore power in a way that benefits the greatest number of customers first.
Read more LIVE: Hawaii Island begins to feel impacts as Tropical Storm Lala nears
Damage assessments must be completed before repairs and restoration can begin.
Staying safe
HECO is urging residents to stay away from downed power lines, flooding and debris as dangerous conditions could remain even after winds subside.
Downed power lines should always be treated as energized. The public should stay at least 30 feet away and report dangerous situations involving downed lines or sparking electrical equipment.
Drivers should also use caution around crews working along roadways and treat intersections with non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
Customers using portable generators should keep them outside in well-ventilated areas and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hawaiian Electric said customers can check its website or mobile app for the latest outage information and estimated restoration times.
Power preparedness tips
HECO recommends these emergency preparedness tips:
Click here for more tips.
HECO recommends following them online, and on their social media accounts on Twitter/X @HwnElectric, @mauielectric, and @hielectriclight, and on Facebook.
Post Comment