HONOLULU (AP) — As the first tropical storm to hit Hawaii in 22 years passed by the islands, residents assessed the damage while surfers took to the waves despite driving rain and winds.
Tropical Storm Iselle (ee-SEHL’) knocked out power, caused flooding and downed trees when it crossed onto the Big Island. Gov. Neil Abercrombie said there have been no reports of injuries or deaths.
Hawaii County Civil Defense spokesman John Drummond said about 21,000 homes remained without power on the Big Island Friday where the main part of Iselle came ashore.
The state Department of Health warned the public to stay out of floodwaters and storm water runoff because it’s known to attract sharks when dead animals are washed into the ocean.
A second storm has also weakened and is on track to pass several hundred miles north of the islands.
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