(BIVN) – The Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch initiated by the Hawaiian Electric company for areas of South Kohala continued Friday.
High winds and dry conditions continue to be present in Kawaihae and Waikoloa, and could lead to an increased risk of wildfires.
“If necessary, the company may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program within the next 24 hours and proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk,” Hawaiian Electric stated. “Customers in these areas are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of outages lasting several hours to days”.
The PSPS Watch began on Thursday. The Wind Advisory that was issued by the National Weather Service is set to expire on Friday evening. Northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are still possible. Forecasters say winds will be strongest downslope of mountains and through passes.
UPDATE – (4:45 p.m.) – Although a previously issued High Surf Advisory for East Hawaiʻi shores is no longer in effect, the Wind Advisory has been extended until Saturday morning.
There are no Red Flag Warnings or related fire weather advisories in effect.
The PSPS Watch is also in effect for West Maui and parts of Ōmaʻopio and Pulehu in Kahului.
In its news release, Hawaiian Electric also warned customers about scammers “visiting homes and identifying themselves as representatives of the utility, government agency or the PSPS program.”
“Hawaiian Electric employees will not show up unannounced at your home or business to collect a balance, inspect equipment inside your home, or sell equipment or systems,” the company stated. “Employees will drive a company-branded vehicle and present their Hawaiian Electric photo identification badge. Call the company’s Customer Service Center to verify an employee or report a scam.”
