NEWS BRIEFS

• A High Wind Advisory is in effect for Hawaii Island, with southwest winds 25 to 35 mph and localized gusts over 55 mph, “especially to the north and east of the mountains,” warns the National Weather Service.
• The Puna area is experiencing power outages due to the severe weather. The Hawaii Electric Light Company says strong winds caused trees and branches to fall on and damage power lines and poles. Crews have been working since last night to restore service in Aloha Estates, Mountain View, Hawaiian Acres, Ainaloa, Orchidland, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, and Nanawale, the company reports. UPDATE (12:30 p.m.) ~1780 customers without power in the Ainaloa / Pahoa Town areas, HELCO reports via Twitter.
• UPDATE (12:30 p.m.) Highway 19 in Waimea is closed between the 55 and 56 mile marks due to “tree on highway” officials report. Civil defense message below.
• The Mauna Kea Access Road remains closed as the summits are under a High Wind Warning. Forecasters say winds may gust into the 100 mph range.

2:30 p.m. | CIVIL DEFENSE MESSAGE

Kahakai Closed in Puna

12:30 p.m. | CIVIL DEFENSE MESSAGE

Highway 19 closed in Waimea

PRIMARY SOURCES

This is the media release on the outage courtesy HELCO:

HILO, February 14, 2015 (9:30 a.m.) – Hawai‘i Electric Light crews are working to safely restore service to customers who lost electricity as a result of windy conditions affecting Hawai‘i Island on Feb. 13 and 14.

Strong winds caused trees and branches to fall on and damage power lines and poles, primarily in the Puna area. Crews have been working since last night to restore service in Aloha Estates, Mountain View, Hawaiian Acres, Ainaloa, Orchidland, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, and Nanawale.

As windy conditions and restoration efforts continue, Hawai‘i Electric Light reminds the community to stay safe and offers this important safety information:

· Treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous.

· Do not handle or move any fallen or damaged utility equipment.

· Do not approach any downed power lines, as they may have electricity running through them and can be dangerous. If you see someone injured by a downed power line, do not approach them and call 9-1-1 for assistance.

· Use generators outdoors and away from flammable materials. Generators connected directly to your home may feed excess electricity back into power lines, creating a public safety hazard. Plug appliances directly into your generator using extension cords.

· Unplug unnecessary and sensitive electronic equipment. Use high-quality surge suppressors for electric appliances that remain plugged in.

· Use batteries to power flashlights and lanterns. Do not use candles or other flammable fuel sources, as they are fire hazards.

· Be aware of trees and utility poles that were weakened by storm winds and have the potential for falling.

· Anyone who is without power and who is dependent on electric-powered life support medical equipment should make arrangements to go to an alternate location with power. They should bring their medical equipment and medications with them. They should also stay in contact with their medical equipment supplier for any special equipment needs.

To report an outage or downed power line, please call 969-6666.

Hawai‘i Electric Light thanks the community for their patience and cooperation as its employees work to quickly restore service as safely as possible.HELCO media release