Jimena Downgraded, Big Island Drenched

HONOLULU -- Hurricane Jimena slowed to a tropical storm early Monday. Hawaii missed the bulk of the storm's force, but it still caused high surf and heavy rain along southern and eastern island shores.

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The Central Pacific Hurricane Center lifted the hurricane watch for the Big Island, downgrading Jimena to a tropical storm at 5 a.m.

Still, forecasts for rain doused Labor Day beach plans for residents and tourists. The storm dumped heavy rains on many parts of the island.

"I held my breath all night. It's something that's pretty exciting you don't know what's happening, but at the same time you don't want to go through with it," Guy Enriques said. "I'm glad for the outcome now and I'm hoping it's just the rain and the flood to deal with."

"It's very stressful. The furniture is out of the house and the waves were coming in pretty good last night, actually I could feel them on the floor. Last night was probably one of th most scary nights I've had," May Brandt said.

Other residents took the storm in stride.

"I've seen worse, but it was raining and there were strong winds, but I've seen worse," Dan Kealoha said.

The storm was centered about 70 miles south of Hilo, moving west at 17 mph. Maximum winds were at 70 mph, down from 100 mph when Jimena was at hurricane level over open waters.

Big Island beaches remained closed Monday due to high waves and rip currents.

"The waves are really big and I wish I could go surfing in them," Evan Enriques said.

Meteorologists said four to seven inches of rain fell in parts of the Big Island.

24-Hour Rainfall Totals (11:45 a.m. Sunday):

Glenwood 7.49 inches

Hilo Airport 3.67 inches

Mountain View 5.57 inches

Piihonua 5.36 inches

Waikea Uka 5.46 inches