Hawaii is essentially shut down today as heavy rain and brutal winds hit the islands, causing thousands to lose power and raising concerns about dangerous flash flooding.
Gov. Josh Green announced on Sunday that all public schools, state offices, courthouses and the state legislature would be closed Monday. All University of Hawaii campuses are also closed.
Weather.commeteorologistJennifer Graysays Hawaii is getting hit with a little bit of everything right now.
She explains that the combination of a stalled front and an area of low pressure west of the island chain is providing the fuel for these conditions.
"Winds could gust as high as 60-70 mph through Monday, and we could see flooding as well. Snowfall is also expected across the higher elevations on the Big Island where 10-16 inches of snow is possible." Gray said.
In a news conference, the governor said one of his main concerns is the danger of high winds on roads, adding that landslides are a major worry.
(MORE:Warmer Temps For Millions This Week)
"We had one of our staff see a tree fall right on a power line right in front of her this morning, we just want to make sure everybody is very safe," Green said Sunday.
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Early Monday, more than 4,000 customers were without electricity, according toPowerOutage.us.
A social media post from Hawaiian Electric showed crews working to repair downed power poles on Sunday.
Residents are being urged to stay off the roads today. Parks and camping areas have also been closed.
Flash flooding was already reported on Sunday.
"We're looking at very intense rainfall rates, it's not so much the amount of rain that comes down but how quickly it comes down as well," said John Bravender with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
(MORE:Police Save Three From Icy Waters)
The governor also issued anemergency proclamationthat mobilizes state resources for response efforts, including Hawaii's National Guard. That proclamation is in effect at least through Wednesday.
Gray said conditions should begin to improve on Tuesday, however unsettled weather should last through mid week.
