Severe storms - Hawaii awakens to tropical thunder

The Hawaiian Islands are not strangers to severe storms but they don't happen too often! Morning severe thunderstorms have triggered waterspouts and severe weather warnings.

A strong low-pressure system, seen on the WeatherRadar, and its corresponding cold front has brought morning lightning, heavy rain and waterspouts to the Hawaiin Islands Thursday morning, just in time for commuters to hit the road. Additionally, gusty winds, as high as 58 mph so far, have added additional hazards to those heading out.

Severe thunderstorms are expected through late Thursday night. The WeatherRadar shows storm cells frequently impacting the island chain as the cold front approaches. Emergency officials have prepared resources ahead of the severe weather event due to anticipated possible power outages, flash flooding and wind damage.

Hawaii does receive all kinds of severe weather, but not frequently. Hawaii is not located in the latitudes of changeable weather, but during their winter season (October to April) stormy skies are more likely to happen due to the southward migration of active low-pressure systems - like the one we're seeing today. This low will eventually feed into the weekend wet and snowy weather expected in the Pacific Northwest.

Hawaiian residents and visitors should be sure to have at least three ways to receive weather warnings and track the storms on the WeatherRadar.