(ABOVE) This spot on Pauahi Street and Kamehameha Highway was flooded badly enough to close the intersection Friday morning.

Hawaii County Civil Defense message (Aug. 8 at 9 a.m.)

HILO, Hawaii – Following a morning assessment in the wake of Hurricane Iselle, Hawaii County Civil Defense issued an alert full of information about continuing road closures and power outages.

Hurricane Iselle has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. Storm conditions of heavy rains and winds are occurring in parts of the island.

Residents are being allowed to return home in all areas except Ka’u and Hamakua, where storm conditions are continuing. Shelters will remain open in Laupahoehoe, Honka’a, Ka’u and Pahoa.

Current highway closures include: Highway 132 at Nanawale; Highway 11 or Volcano Highway between the 53 and 63 mile markers from Kaaawa Flats to Naalehu; and Highway 250 or Kohala Mountain Road for the entire length of the road.

Residents who live in private subdivisions who plan to return home should be prepared for additional road closures on private roads within the subdivisions.

There are numerous reports of downed power lines across the island. Residents should not approach any downed line, and should always assume downed lines are energized and dangerous. Residents should not attempt to clear downed lines or poles because those efforts are dangerous and may delay repairs. Downed lines may be reported to Helco at 969-6666. If possible, Helco asks that all reports include a nearby pole number or a street address.

Helco will begin implementing a rotating power interruption program island wide this morning because of a generation shortfall. Helco will attempt to limit the power interruptions to no more than one hour in each location, however the durations of the rolling blackouts may vary. Helco asks that residents island wide conserve power as much as possible until further notice.Hawaii County Civil Defense message

The State Department of Transportation reports that the Umauma Stream Bridge, which was closed Aug. 7 at noon due to the approach of Hurricane Iselle, is now open.

Not all news in Hamakua is good news, however. The Department of Water supply reports a broken water main along Pohakea Mauka Road affecting customers from Ho’o Kahua Road to Pa’auilo Mauka Road. Customers in this area may experience little to no water pressure. The repair is estimated to be complete by this evening.