Rain, wind from hurricanes rake Hawaii, Bermuda

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii -- Hurricane Ana was on course Saturday to miss Hawaii by more than a hundred miles but was generating high waves, strong winds and heavy rains that prompted flash-flood warnings throughout the islands.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Gonzalo crushed trees, flattened power lines and damaged Bermuda's main hospital during an hours-long battering, but the tiny, wealthy British territory suffered no deaths.

The center of the powerful Pacific storm was about 190 miles west of the Big Island and about 150 miles southwest of Honolulu, the National Weather Service said.

A tropical storm watch remained in effect on Oahu and Kauai but was lifted for Maui, Lanai and the Big Island.

The day began calmly for tourists and surfers enjoying popular Waikiki Beach, but gusty rain fell later in the day.

A downpour on the Big Island prompted officials to close Mamalahoa Highway in a region known for its coffee farms. It's the only road connecting some communities to the eastern side of the island.

On Oahu, rain was falling on the island's North Shore and Koolau Mountains, said Bob Burke, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

"There's a whole lot of heavy rain that's approaching the island from the south and southeast," he said.

Waves were expected to crest to 10 to 15 feet on the south shores of the islands and remain high through today.

People took the storm warnings seriously on Kauai, which was devastated by Category 4 Hurricane Iniki in 1992 that killed six people and destroyed more than 1,400 homes.

"Those of us that were here during that time remember, and so we are very cautious," said Mary Daubert, a county spokeswoman. "Until she's passed us, we all have to remain vigilant."

The heaviest rains were falling along the southeast slopes of Mauna Loa, in the Puna district -- which was hit hard recently by Tropical Storm Iselle -- and the Kau district on the southeast side of the island. However, no one on the Big Island reported storm damage, said Darryl Oliveira, director of Hawaii County civil defense.

"So far it's looking pretty good for Hawaii Island," he said.

Gonzalo's center crossed over Bermuda on Friday night and quickly moved northward over the Atlantic on a track that could take it just off the shore of Newfoundland in Canada.

"This was a dangerous hurricane, but Bermuda today is dealing with property damage, blocked roads and a loss of electricity, all things that can be replaced and restored," said Premier Michael Dunkley. "Thankfully, there has been no loss of life."

He said the U.S., the United Kingdom and others have offered assistance.

The hospital, which suffered a damaged roof, was operating, and bulldozers cleared trees from roads as crews worked to restore power to some 24,000 homes.

Maria Frith, who owns Grape Bay Cottages on Bermuda's south coast, said the hurricane woke her up Saturday before dawn when it tore the patio roof off her house.

"To be perfectly honest with you, I was terrified, partly because of the noise," she said. "It was really scary."

Police commissioner Michael DeSilva said many roads were impassible and urged people to stay home.

"Unless it's a life or death emergency -- checking on your boat is not an emergency -- we won't let you pass," he said.