More than 180,000 without power in Hawaii, 100 homes damaged as Lala weakens to tropical storm

BREAKING: More than 180,000 people are without power in Hawaii and around 100 homes damaged as Tropical Storm Lala weakens after making landfall on Big Island.

More than 180,000 people are without power in Hawaii right now.

Tropical Storm Lala made landfall on the Big Island as a hurricane, and it's only just weakened to tropical storm strength. Around 100 homes are damaged, and these pictures show the conditions people were dealing with as it came ashore, driving rain, streets you'd struggle to stand up in.

The Big Island took the direct hit, and that matters because parts of it are remote, single roads in and out, communities that can be cut off quickly when lines come down. Restoring power to 180,000 customers across an island chain is not a weekend job, crews have to reach downed lines one by one, often in terrain that fights back.

The storm is weakening, but for the people sitting in the dark tonight, the hard part is only starting. No word yet on how long the lights will be out.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.

Source Read the original reporting at channelnewsasia.com