1 dead as powerful Kona low slams Hawaii with high winds, rain and life-threatening surf
By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist
By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist
February 11, 2019, 1:49:29 PM EST
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A major storm sweeping through the Hawaiian Islands has left one person dead and tens of thousands without power.
The storm, known as a Kona low, brought widespread wind gusts of 40-60 mph across the islands, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A wind gust of 67 mph was reported at Port Allen in Kauai County, while winds whipped to 191 mph at the top of Mauna Kea.
The winds stirred dangerously rough surf on the north- and west-facing beaches.
The Associated Press reported that one man died after getting stuck in rough seas in Napili Bay, off northwest Maui, this past Friday.
Today is one of those days when you're extra grateful for the first responders and @MauiElectric crews going OT to pull the island back together. From trees falling on houses to boats running aground, it's been nonstop all day. @TheMauiNewsHI @CountyofMaui @mauipd 📷:MFD & MECO pic.twitter.com/xjdj5fuqwX
— Colleen Uechi (@c_uechi) February 11, 2019
The winds toppled trees and power lines, leaving nearly 30,000 customers without power on the Big Island for a time on Sunday, according to Hawaii Electric Light.
One person was seriously injured when a utility pole fell on his vehicle on Sunday, according to Hawaii News Now.
The Honolulu Fire Department captain said there were more than 100 weather-related calls between midnight and 4:30 p.m. HST Sunday, according to Hawaii News Now. Most of the calls were for downed trees and damaged roofs.
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Extended forecast for Honolulu, Hawaii
The Kona low will pull away from the island chain though Monday, with weather conditions slowly expected to improve throughout the day on Monday.
A more typical trade-wind pattern will resume for the second half of the week.
Download the free AccuWeather app for the latest forecast for your area.
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