East Hawaii Information Update for April 10th, 2020
Two lightning strikes associated with a thunderstorm caused damage to a utility pole and residence in East Hawaii Friday afternoon (April 10th).
Published By: HIRSC Team - Hawaii Island (Kaumana) Section and Weather Unit
info@hiradioscannercommunity.com
The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) and Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Hawaii Island crews responded to two separate incidents involving lightning strikes in East Hawaii Friday afternoon.
The first incident came in at 4:07 pm Friday afternoon and HFD crews from the Haihai Fire Station along with HPD officers from South Hilo Patrol and HECO crews responded to the scene located at the 1700 block of Ainaola Drive in Waiakea Uka. Prior to emergency crews arriving on the scene, reports came in from residents that a lightning strike caused damage to a utility pole and wires to hang down low over Ainaola Drive. Residents in the area reported still having power. Once emergency crews arrived on the scene, the utility pole was reported to still be intact, however utility lines were hanging low over the roadway. HFD and HPD crews directed traffic in the area until HECO crews arrived on the scene begin repairs.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the second incident came in at 4:31 pm Friday afternoon and HFD crews from the Paradise Park Fire Station responded to the scene located at the 15-1200 block of Railroad Avenue in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Puna. Upon the arrival of HFD crews, a resident reported a lightning strike to a residence and took extra precautions after the strike occurred. Crews conducted an investigation of the residence, however, no further details and also extent of damage was disclosed.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported a strong thunderstorm had lingered over the South Hilo and Puna areas during the time reported strikes had occurred. They also registered numerous lightning strikes had occurred in the same area but were not able to say how many were ground to cloud strikes as that data is still being evaluated. No Flood Advisory or Warnings were issued during that time and a handful of rain gauges recorded a small amount of rainfall.
NWS expects conditions to slowly subside and clear into the evening hours.