A powerful storm system pummeled Hawaii Thursday with flash flooding, damaging wind gusts, severe thunderstorms and blizzard-like conditions on the high mountain peaks.
Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a statement that the proclamation allows for the county to streamline its response and coordinate resources as heavy rainfall and high winds are expected.
Thousands of people across Hawaii were without power early Friday morning, but Hawaiian Electric has made progress in some areas while the storm moves on to impact others.