A tamer Flossie leaves Hawaii after stormy day

Tropical Storm Flossie puffed itself up before hitting Hawaii and then leaving, like many tourists, in a depleted condition after a whirlwind visit.

According to the National Weather Service, Flossie, as a weaker tropical depression, was expected to exit Hawaii on Tuesday after hitting the state Monday and forcing a declaration of an emergency.

Schools and many state offices were closed and power lines were knocked down, cutting electricity to thousands on Maui and the Big Island. Rain fell at a rate of four inches per hour in some parts of the state. Winds were down to about 40 mph, still strong enough to cause damage.

Officials took the usual precautions before the storm.

The U.S. Coast Guard closed three ports. Airports remained open Monday but many flights were canceled.

Melanie and Ian Jenkins of Portsmouth, England, tried to catch some sun on Waikiki Beach but were close to giving up as the rains began Monday.

“It’s still warmer than England,” Ian Jenkins told the Associated Press.

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