A strong storm hitting Hawaii has knocked out power, brought down tree branches, flooded coastal roads and even brought snow. (Feb. 11)

A strong storm hitting Hawaii has knocked out power, brought down tree branches, flooded coastal roads and even brought snow. (Feb. 11)

HONOLULU (AP) — A strong storm hitting Hawaii has knocked out power, brought down tree branches, flooded coastal roads — and even brought snow.

Snow is not unheard of in mountainous parts of the tropical island chain, but officials say the coating at 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) at a state park on Maui could mark the lowest-elevation snowfall ever recorded in the state.

The National Weather Service says gusts hit nearly 70 mph (110 kph) in some areas, and the agency is warning of coastal flooding. A high-surf advisory was in effect for north- and west-facing shores of several islands.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that trees were toppled on several islands along with power outages and roof damage. Two ground hornbill birds escaped from the Honolulu Zoo after the storm damaged their enclosure.

Hawaii News Now reported that one man was injured when a utility pole crashed on his vehicle. Other minor injuries were reported.</s>An extremely powerful winter storm is pulling away from Hawaii after unleashing damaging winds, massive waves, coastal flooding and snow in unusual places.

The storm, which the National Weather Service office in Honolulu described as “historic,” began pounding the islands Friday. Hawaii News Now reported a 66-year-old California man died in the rough surf off northwest Maui on Friday.

Forecasters “are calling this an unprecedented event and we concur that we rarely if ever have seen the combination of record high onshore waves, coupled with gale force winds,” said Sam Lemmo, administrator of Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

The storm’s most extreme blow was generated on the Big Island’s towering peak of Mauna Kea, where a 191-mph wind gust blasted the mountain summit at 4:40 p.m. local time Sunday.

“That’s the strongest wind gust I’ve ever seen up there,” said Jon Jelsema, senior forecaster at the Weather Service office in Honolulu. “We tend to get a gust maybe to 150 mph once a winter or so, but never 191 mph.”

The visitor station on the 13,308-foot mountain is closed until Tuesday “due to the predicted continuation of severe weather,” according to the station’s website. The road is shut down whenever visibility drops below 50 feet, or winds gust to 65 mph or greater.

Hawaii saw a mixed bag of bizarre precipitation over the weekend. Several inches of snow fell on Haleakalā, a shield volcano in East Maui — something Jelsema described as “very unusual.”

Snowstorm on Maui!! Crazy! pic.twitter.com/sKvCglbdRF — Reel News Hawaii (@reelnewshawaii) February 11, 2019

Snow is much more common on the high peaks of the Big Island, at Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

The storm even deposited a coating of snow at Maui’s Polipoli State Park at an elevation of 6,200 feet according to Hawaii’s DLNR.

“Perhaps the first time ever, snow has fallen in a Hawai‘i State Park,” the DLNR posted to its Facebook page Sunday. “Polipoli State Park on Maui is blanketed with snow. It could also be the lowest elevation snow ever recorded in the state.”

The vigorous storm triggered rare severe thunderstorm warning for southern Kauai Saturday night.

Wind gusts up to 67 mph were clocked in the oceanside town of Port Allen in Kauai. The community is on the south side of the island, protected from the harshest conditions streaming in out of the northeast.

Wave heights approached 40 feet just north of Kauai on Sunday.

The National Weather Service had hoisted a high surf warning Thursday in anticipation of the event. It warned of “giant disorganized waves” that “could cause unprecedented coastal flooding Saturday night through Sunday.” Jelsema said his office had received numerous reports of road closures due to the coastal inundation.

“The sea state kind of looks like the water in a washing machine,” he said. “You have a mix of swell — which is generated in many different areas of the Pacific — combining with wind waves. One wave follows the next at pretty big intervals.”

Because of strong winds over the weekend, more than 2,400 customers across Hawaii were without power Monday morning, according to PowerOutage.us. That’s down from a peak of nearly 27,000.

RT @MauiElectric: 720p #MauiOutage update: Customers in Olinda and Piiholo area as well as parts of Haiku along Kokomo Rd and Kauihikoa Rd should d prepare for an extended outage with the possibility of an overnight outage. https://t.co/gYFlUfp8jS pic.twitter.com/OnIiiq9VeJ #hiwx — NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) February 11, 2019

The harsh conditions will begin to subside late Monday. The wind advisory in effect for the Big Island expires at noon local time. A high wind warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. local for the Big Island summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, where gusts may still top 140 mph before tapering down.

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Hurricanes are strengthening faster in the Atlantic, and climate change is a big reason why, scientists say</s>The unusually intense storm will hammer Hawaii on Sunday and into the week with widespread high winds and potentially damaging coastal flooding in unusual locations of the island chain. There is even a chance of some mountaintop snow in at least one unusual location. A High Wind Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for the whole archipelago.

NWS is warning of winds gusting up to 60mph, blowing westerly at first before turning northwest on Sunday night. The warning is in place across all islands in the Hawaii archipelago, and will remain in place until at least 6am local time (4pm GMT) on Monday. Peak winds are expected on Sunday afternoon, with major hazards expected. The NWS warned of driving hazards, damage to roofs, flying debris and downed trees.

Widespread power outages are also expected across the island chain. There are also warnings of this fast-moving storm generating waves reaching 40 to 60 feet, which pose a risk to boats and could come very near the Hawaiian Islands, particularly the northern shores. The National Weather Service in Honolulu says these waves could cause “unprecedented coastal flooding to north and west facing shores late Saturday and Sunday”. The north shores of Hawaii are no stranger to high surf generated from distant North Pacific storms in the winter months.

However, swells generated by this intensifying storm will produce "giant, disorganised waves" which pose the risk of flooding. NWS also warned of "extreme harbour surges" along north and west-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and north-facing shores of Maui this weekend. Authorities are stressing the potential for "significant damage to coastal property and infrastructure," with "evacuations and road closures possible." Experts are calling this storm an unusual one. Instead of approaching from the west or northwest, this storm will stream in from south of the Aleutian Islands to near the Hawaiian Island chain this weekend.</s>HONOLULU (AP) — The Latest on winter weather in parts of the U.S. (all times local):

8 p.m. Residents of the Pacific Northwest took to neighborhood hills with skis, sleds or even just laundry baskets Saturday to celebrate an unusual dump of snow in a region more accustomed to winter rain.

Some areas received more than a foot of snow, and meteorologists say more is on the way early next week. Hundreds of flights were canceled in Seattle and Portland, and heavy snow drifts closed major highways in eastern Washington. Around 50,000 people lost power.

Residents cleared out grocery store shelves and left work early Friday afternoon as the storm arrived. More than a foot of snow (30.5 cm) was recorded by Saturday morning in some areas, including on the Olympic Peninsula, in the nation's latest bout of winter weather.

As a snowstorm paralyzes much of the Pacific Northwest, officials are warning about severe surf and winds in Hawaii as a winter storm hits that state.

The National Weather Service said gusts hit 40 mph (64 kph) in some areas, and authorities said residents on the islands' north shores should be prepared for coastal flooding. Hawaii News Now reported that the surf was forecast to top out at 60 feet (18 meters) on Sunday. Residents on Oahu's North Shore were told to be ready to evacuate

A 66-year-old California man died after getting stuck in rough ocean conditions in Napili Bay, off northwest Maui, on Friday. Rescuers brought him to shore and unsuccessfully performed CPR. The man's identity was not immediately released.

Residents of the Northwest are dealing with a heavy snowfall, and meteorologists say more is likely on the way.

About 200 flights were canceled at Seattle-Tacoma and Portland international airports Saturday, roughly matching the number of Friday cancellations. Severe snow drifts shut down Interstate 90 and other roads in central Washington.

More than a foot of snow (30.5 cm) was recorded in some areas, including on the Olympic Peninsula.

In Seattle, where such snow is a rarity, residents cleared out grocery store shelves and left work early Friday afternoon as the storm arrived.

The National Weather Service said a storm warning remained in effect, with an additional 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) possible on Saturday and another storm in the forecast early next week.</s>HONOLULU (AP) — The Latest on winter weather in parts of the U.S. (all times local):

As a snowstorm paralyzes much of the Pacific Northwest, officials are warning about severe surf and winds in Hawaii as a winter storm hits that state.

The National Weather Service said gusts hit 40 mph (64 kph) in some areas, and authorities said residents on the islands' north shores should be prepared for coastal flooding. Hawaii News Now reported that the surf was forecast to top out at 60 feet (18 meters) on Sunday. Residents on Oahu's North Shore were told to be ready to evacuate.

A 66-year-old California man died after getting stuck in rough ocean conditions in Napili Bay, off northwest Maui, on Friday. Rescuers brought him to shore and unsuccessfully performed CPR. The man's identity was not immediately released.

Residents of the Northwest are dealing with a heavy snowfall, and meteorologists say more is likely on the way.

About 200 flights were canceled at Seattle-Tacoma and Portland international airports Saturday, roughly matching the number of Friday cancellations. Severe snow drifts shut down Interstate 90 and other roads in central Washington.

More than a foot of snow (30.5 cm) was recorded in some areas, including on the Olympic Peninsula.

In Seattle, where such snow is a rarity, residents cleared out grocery store shelves and left work early Friday afternoon as the storm arrived.

The National Weather Service said a storm warning remained in effect, with an additional 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) possible on Saturday and another storm in the forecast early next week.</s>On Sunday and into Monday, Hawaii has been warned to brace for an unprecedented storm which will have strong winds, cause coastal flooding and even some snow in higher areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high wind warning, which is in effect from 3.23am Sunday HST (5pm GMT) and will last until 6am HST (8pm GMT). Winds of between 25-40mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 60mph.

The NWS predicts that peak winds could hit this afternoon local time (Monday morning GMT). Warnings surrounding strong winds include potential hazardous driving conditions, damage to roofs and poorly built structures, and result in flying debris. Additionally, downed trees can be expected along with widespread power outages. There are also high surf warnings for north and west facing shores of Kauai, Niihau, Oahu and Molokai and for north facing shores of Maui.

The NWS warned that this event may bring unprecedented coastal flooding to north and west facing shores during the period of largest waves during the afternoon today and into the evening hours.
• Anyone with a vulnerable ocean front property needs to complete their preparations now.
• Also due to the Gale force westerly winds, rough and choppy wind swell will rapidly increase along west facing shores this afternoon and tonight.
• Waves could reach up to 60ft today and into tonight along the north and west facing shores of Niihau and Kauai and north facing shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui.
• Also, waves of 30 to 40 feet today and tonight will impact along exposed west facing shores of Oahu and Molokai. The NWS warned to expect, “Ocean water surging and sweeping over beaches, coastal benches, and roadways, creating the potential for significant damage to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways.

“Coastal evacuations and road closures are possible. “Large breaking waves may affect harbour entrances and channels with significant damage possible to docks, piers, ramps, and boats. “These dangerous conditions mean that only highly experienced persons should enter the water. “Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas. “Large breaking surf, significant shore break, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. “Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death.”</s>HONOLULU — Officials are warning about severe surf and winds in Hawaii as a winter storm hits that state.

The National Weather Service said gusts hit 40 mph in some areas, and authorities said residents on the islands’ north shores should be prepared for coastal flooding. Hawaii News Now reported that the surf was forecast to top out at 60 feet on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon, residents of Oahu’s north and west shores were told to take precautions because of storm surf washing over coastal roads, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported. High winds took down poles, trees and power lines on the island, the newspaper reported.

There were also reports Sunday in Maui of fallen trees, and Bayfront Highway on the Big Island was closed because of high surf and is set to remain closed until Wednesday, the Star-Advertiser reported.</s>This post was originally published on this site

U.S. NEWS Hawaii braces for storm that could bring waves up to 60 feet https://linewsradio.com/hawaii-braces-for-storm-that-could-bring-waves-up-to-60-feet/ http://abcnewsradioonline.com/national-news/

ABC News(HONOLULU) — An intensifying Pacific storm about 500 miles north of Kauai is rapidly moving south toward the Hawaiian Islands.

The storm will come very near Hawaii on Sunday. The storm will continue to intensify as it passes close to the islands, before the storm turns back east sometime early Monday.

This rapidly intensifying, fast-moving storm will likely generate waves reaching 40 to 60 feet, which could come very near the Hawaiian Islands — especially the northern shores.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu said these waves could cause “unprecedented coastal flooding to north and west facing shores late Saturday and Sunday.”

The National Weather Service is talking about extreme impacts to the coastline with possible significant damage to coastal property and infrastructure.

Additionally, the storm likely will bring wind gusts up to 60 mph, which will cause power outages and downed trees. On the mountain tops, winds could gust well over 100 mph.</s>Following a rare snowstorm that paralyzed much of the Pacific Northwest over the weekend, officials are warning about severe surf and winds in Hawaii.

Gusts have already hit 40 mph (64 kph) in some areas, according to The National Weather Service, as authorities said residents on the islands' north shores should be prepared for coastal flooding.

The surf was forecast to top out at 60 feet (18 meters) on Sunday, Hawaii News Now reported, with residents on Oahu's North Shore being told to prepare for possible evacuation.

Multiple advisories and warning are currently in effect for the area.

A 66-year-old California man died after getting stuck in rough ocean conditions in Napili Bay, off northwest Maui, on Friday.

Rescuers brought him to shore and unsuccessfully performed CPR, on the currently unidentified man.

Weather reports warned of damaging winds, high surf and damaging coastal flooding to close out the weekend in Hawaii, which is currently operating five hours behind the east coast, on Hawaii Standard Time.

Key messages for the Central Pacific islands issued by the National Weather Service at 5am HST (10am Eastern) noted that coastal inundation and damage to coastal properly was likely, due to dangerously high surf.

Others dangers for Hawaiians to be aware of included ocean water sweeping across roadways, significant beach erosion, extreme habour surges, and giant, disorganized waves.

'Stay off the beaches!' NWS said, pertaining to the surf only. In terms of the wind risk, NWS told residents to be prepared for downed trees and power outages, with property damage likely.

High wind warnings are all in effect at this time in various part of Hawaii, through 6am HST (11am Eastern) on Monday.

High surf warnings begin at 4pm HST (9pm Eastern) on Sunday, and also extend through 6am HST (11am Eastern) on Monday.

'Inexperienced persons should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas,' NWS said. 'Large breaking surf, significant shorebreak, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous.'

A Gale Warning is also currently in effect for all Hawaiian waters, similarly extending through 6am HST (11am Eastern) on Monday.

'A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or occurring,' NWS said. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.'

In the Pacific Northwest on Saturday, the region more accustomed to winter rain saw some areas under a considerable amount of snow, and meteorologists say more is on the way early next week.

Hundreds of flights were canceled in Seattle and Portland over the weekend, and heavy snow drifts closed major highways in eastern Washington, with around 50,000 people losing power on Saturday.

Parts of Seattle were in a complete whiteout on Friday, with one resident captured on camera taking his own selfie against the solid wall of white.

Residents in Seattle cleared out grocery store shelves and left work early on Friday afternoon as the storm arrived.

Many businesses and schools closed early,as well, so workers could get home.

State and local officials urged people to stay off the roads over the weekend as traffic slowed to a standstill in some places because of the snow.

More than a foot of snow (30.5 cm) was recorded by Saturday morning on the Olympic Peninsula, in the nation's latest bout of winter weather.

Severe snow drifts shut down Interstate 90 and other roads in central Washington.

About 200 flights were canceled at Seattle-Tacoma and Portland international airports on Saturday, roughly matching the number of Friday cancellations.</s>ABC News(HONOLULU) — An intensifying Pacific storm about 500 miles north of Kauai is rapidly moving south toward the Hawaiian Islands.

The storm will come very near Hawaii on Sunday. The storm will continue to intensify as it passes close to the islands, before the storm turns back east sometime early Monday.

This rapidly intensifying, fast-moving storm will likely generate waves reaching 40 to 60 feet, which could come very near the Hawaiian Islands — especially the northern shores.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu said these waves could cause “unprecedented coastal flooding to north and west facing shores late Saturday and Sunday.”

The National Weather Service is talking about extreme impacts to the coastline with possible significant damage to coastal property and infrastructure.

Additionally, the storm likely will bring wind gusts up to 60 mph, which will cause power outages and downed trees. On the mountain tops, winds could gust well over 100 mph.
A winter storm hits Hawaii, depositing snow at record-low elevations at Polipoli State Park, along with massive waves, coastal flooding, and strong winds, resulting in at least one death.