As Severe Weather Limits Communication In Hawaiian Islands, Many Take To Social Media
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Many took to social media Friday to communicate reports of their safety as the severe weather in some parts of the Hawaiian Islands has limited phone and television reception.
KCAL9's Juan Fernandez was able to speak with Jerrie Pickering in Oahu through Skype about the severe weather from her daughter's home in Long Beach.
"You see the wind blowing now?" asked Pickering. "It's kicking up now."
Located 20 minutes outside Honolulu, Pickering was able to show the gusty winds and rain outside her home to Fernandez.
Pickering said that many of her neighbors are staying home and off the roads until the severe weather passes in the area.
"People are starting to gouge for water, bread, the necessities," said Pickering.
She also said that transportation has been suspended throughout the islands.
"No buses are running, unless it's an emergency," Pickering said. "Everybody is keeping a close watch."
Other locals and visitors to the area have taken to YouTube to share the damage that Iselle has done to the area.
Steve Pax recorded a video showing heavy rainfall and posted it online using his smartphone.
"Holy cow, now this is a rain band," Pax said in the video. "I'm soaked."
Currently, Iselle is trending on Twitter, with users posting photos of the damage.
"Everybody is taking this very seriously here because you just don't know what mother nature is going to do, and Julio is coming as well," said Pickering.
Even though Iselle was downgraded overnight from a hurricane to a tropical storm, many still fear what is to come over the weekend from Category 3 Hurricane Julio.
Just before 5 p.m., Los Angeles International Airport officials issued a final statement regarding flight delays and cancellations due to the tropical storms for passengers traveling to and from Hawaii.
In total, 97 flights were scheduled for Friday, including nine cancellations and 23 delays for those traveling to and from the Hawaiian Islands, LAX officials said.
"There is no change in the number of cancellations," said Nancy Suey Castles, LAX public relations director. "However, the number of delayed flights and the length of delays are increasing, reported between three to six hours."
Airport officials are advising the public to contact airlines directly and to sign up for electronic alerts on flight status.