Tropical Storm Flossie 2013 Update: Latest Tracker Suggests Depression Will Move Past Hawaii Tuesday (VIDEO, PHOTO, SATELLITE MAP)
Tropical Storm Flossie has slammed Hawaii, and although it arrived more powerful than some had initially predicted, it quickly lost power and has since been downgraded to a tropical depression.
Flossie is expected to finally move away from the Hawaii region later on Tuesday, but has left its mark after arriving on Monday.
The arrival of the storm prompted authorities to close schools and courts, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie made an emergency declaration in advance of Flossie's arrival.
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When Tropical Storm Flossie finally arrived on Monday it came with a bang, with widespread thunder and lightning accompanying heavy rains and strong winds. It has been reported that power outages caused by the storm have hit thousands of residents on several islands in the region.
Michael Cantin, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu has said, "Mother nature throws curve balls at us to make us more busy."
Officials have also confirmed that the power outages have had a knock on affect and has disrupted water services for many parts of Maui and Molokai. They were unable to offer estimates on when power would be able to be restored.
As early as Monday night the National Weather Service was able to cancel all storm warnings for Tropical Storm Flossie, however, they did keep the flash flood watches in effect statewide, and they have said those watches will be in effect until Tuesday night.
Rainfall was intense, at one point falling at a rate of 4 inches per hour. That led to the National Weather Service recommending that people in low lying areas be moved to higher ground immediately.
Despite the tropical storm being downgraded, officials have warned locals that Flossie still poses a serious threat and could cause more outages and road closures. They also warned that wind gusts could still hit 40 mph, especially through mountain passes.
