Oahu Residents Clean Up After Winter Storm Takes Down Powerlines, Trees

UPDATED 6/18/20

Oahu residents began cleanup work on Saturday after the destructive winter storm that crashed into the island late last week knocked down trees and power lines across Oahu. Although relatively uncommon for the island, large storms such as this are known to knock out power for a large number of the population. Attaching a generator to your house allows you to retain power even after such a vicious storm. Whole home generator installation has grown in popularity in recent years as storms have grown to be more intense. Connecting a generator to your home is the best way to keep your family safe during these kinds of storms.

Strong winds blew in from the southwest on Friday night and continued into the early morning on Saturday, causing nine significant power outages across the island. Those who were using a generator during power outage were left unaware of the inconvenience many in the island faced. Fortunately, power restoration crews responded quickly, and most of the power outages were dealt with in under an hour. Portable generator service only needed to be used for about 45 minutes.

The downed trees will likely take a bit longer to clean up. Fire crews were dispatched to a home on Puana Street in Waipio after a large tree fell on a house, but no injuries were reported. On Henoheno Street in Ahuimanu, another large tree fell, but this one missed the house and only damaged a fence. Again, no one was injured.

A spokesman with the city’s Department of Emergency Management told KITV4 that there were over 50 calls to respond to fallen trees in Oahu on Friday and Saturday. Most of the calls came from Mililani and Waipio. While a few homes and cars were damaged, no major injuries were reported.

Several roads and highways across Oahu were closed by police while crews removed downed power lines. Officials also canceled camping permits in endangered areas and closed several trails and beaches.

“Storms like this severely affect tourism. While most tours and activities can be rescheduled, some visitors don’t have that luxury due to limited time on the islands or are nearing the end of their visit,” explains Dale Palileo, online e-commerce manager at E Noa Tours. “These forced tour cancellations means loss of revenue for tour operators and disappointments for affected visitors.”

The storm also brought in heavy rain, and a flood advisory was posted in Oahu that expired at 10:15 p.m. Flood advisories were also issued in the nearby islands of Kauai and Maui.

According to the National Weather Service, the severe weather was caused by a rapidly moving cold front that brought severe thunderstorms, gusty winds, downpours and blizzard conditions with it. The storm passed over Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

According to the National Weather Service, the next few days should be relatively cool, calm and dry as the weather stabilizes. Although the weather is expected to remain calm, events like this underline the importance of whole home generator installation. Although small portable generators are available at many home improvement stores, relying on a professional for home generator wiring is a smart choice. A whole home generator requires you to connect generator to house panel. An inexperienced DIYer can easily make a mistake that can cause more trouble than attaching a generator to your house can solve. When dealing with anything electrical, always rely on professional experience. Professional installation can allow for seamlessly using a generator during a power outage. To learn more about connecting a generator to your home, contact a professional generator installer today.

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