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A powerful storm system is pummeling Hawaii with flash flooding, damaging wind gusts, severe thunderstorms and blizzard-like conditions on the high mountain peaks. The storm has left thousands without power, roads blocked by floods and fallen trees and grounded island air traffic.

Flash Flood Warnings persisted late into Thursday evening over Honolulu and Maui. County offices in Maui were closed on Friday due to the downpours. Crews across the state worked to reopen roads that were closed due to downed trees or flooding.

The Big Island declared a State of Emergency on Thursday afternoon.

Video from Honolulu showed heavy rain and urban flooding. One Honolulu resident shared a video on social media of what looked to be a strong river that he said was normally a dry creek.



According to FindEnergy.com, nearly 21,000 customers from across the Hawaiian islands were without power early Friday morning.

Hawaii issued a ground stop for all interisland flights on Thursday with four flights being diverted to Lihue, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. The ground stop was lifted around 2:30 p.m. local time. HDOT also reported downed trees and power outages that have affected traffic signals on the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

A rare Severe Thunderstorm Watch covered the islands of Kauai, Maui and Oahu into Thursday evening as thunderstorms brought gusts over 55 mph.

With torrential rains, Flood Watches also remain for all islands through Friday afternoon as rain rates of 2-3 inches per hour are expected for some areas. The rain and flash flooding also bring an increased risk for mudslides and landslides for much of the islands.

WHAT IS A KONA LOW?

In addition, High Wind Warnings are in effect for all the Hawaiian islands through Friday afternoon for continued gusts over 60 mph. Lihue reported a gust of 58 mph earlier Thursday and Oahu experienced winds gusting to around 63 mph.

At least one rock slide was also reported on Maui, with a giant boulder blocking a travel lane of the Kahekili Highway.

Drivers were advised to use caution in the area and be aware of any obstructions.

Blizzard-like conditions atop Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

What is a blistering rain and windstorm for much of the tropical paradise is a major winter storm for the BIg Island's mountain peaks.

A Winter Storm Warning is in place for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits on the Big Island through Saturday morning. As much as 18-24 inches of snow will combine with winds gusting up to 85 mph will cause blizzard-like conditions, with blowing and drifting snow triggering whiteout conditions for anyone daring to venture to the mountain peaks.