Wailuku Elementary Closed; Power Restored to 1100

By Wendy Osher

Kahului Harbor file photo by Wendy Osher.

Power Restored to Wailuku; 1100 Customers affected

(Update: 8:49 a.m. 2/24/11)  Shortly before 6 a.m., a tree branch fell across power lines on High Street in Wailuku causing an outage that affected approximately 1100 customers including Wailuku Elementary School and surrounding residential areas. MECO spokesperson Kau’i Awai-Dickson said power was restored at 7:31 a.m.

Baldwin Beach Park Closed due to flooding

(Update: 8:19 a.m. 2/24/11) H.P. Baldwin Beach Park in Paia is closed due to flooding caused by heavy rains this morning.  Parks officials have not determined when the park will reopen.

(Update: 7:48 a.m.) High Street is now OPEN.

MECO working to restore power on High Street

(Update: 6:57 a.m. 2/24/11) Maui Electric Company crews are working to restore power to customers in Wailuku.  The outage was caused when a tree branch fell on power lines along High Street.  As a result, officials from the Department of Education closed Wailuku Elementary School; and Maui Police closed High Street between Malako and Keanu Streets.  Authorities say a tree caught fire during the incident.

There were also two small power outages overnight caused by lightning strikes in Hana and in Kihei.  MECO spokesperson Kau’i Awai-Dickson said power was quickly restored to both locations.

Wailuku Elementary School Closed due to power outage

(Update: 6:30 a.m. 2/24/11) Wailuku Elementary School is closed today due to a power outage.  DOE Maui Superintendent Bruce Anderson said the decision to close the school was made in part because there was no determination on when power could be restored.

Flood Watch for Maui County and Big Island through Friday morning:

(Update: 3:38 a.m. 2/24/11) A flash flood Watch remain in effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island through Friday morning.   The watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.  The public is advised to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should a warning be issued.

Flood Advisory until 9:15 a.m. for Big Island:

On the Big Island, there is a flood Advisory in effect until 9:15 a.m.  At 6 o’clock this morning, radar showed heavy rain near Puuanahulu or about 15 miles northeast of Kailua-Kona.  The area of heavy rain was moving onshore and slowing over the Big Island slopes.  Rain was falling at an estimated 2 inches per hour.  Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Waikoloa Village, Wikoloa Beach Resort, Waikii, Saddle Road Junction, Kona Villages Resort, Puako and Kawaihae.

Weekend outlook for Maui and the state:

The National Weather Service says heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms remain a threat through Friday as an unstable atmosphere remains over the state.  Forecasters say unsettled weather is expected to slowly diminish from west to east today and Friday. Weekend weather will consist of afternoon clouds and showers, and clear and cool nights; light winds and afternoon sea breezes will prevail through the weekend.