This Article is From Jul 30, 2013

Flossie downgraded from storm; Hawaii rainy, windy

Flossie downgraded from storm; Hawaii rainy, windy
Honolulu: Weather officials have downgraded a tropical storm moving through Hawaii to a tropical depression, reflecting weaker winds and rainfall as the system makes its way across the Big Island and Maui.

The National Weather Service cancelled all storm and flood warnings for Tropical Storm Flossie in Hawaii on Monday evening, keeping only a flash flood watch in effect until Tuesday night.

Weather officials say Flossie may still cause power outages and road closures, with wind gusts up to 40 mph (64 kph) through mountain passes.

The downgrade comes before Flossie hits Oahu, the most populous island in the chain.

Forecasters expect up to 6 inches (15 inches) of rain on parts of the Big Island and up to 2 inches (5 centimetres) of rain elsewhere. They say that could cause life-threatening mudslides and flash floods.

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