Thunderstorm leaves vacationing Obama family in dark for 10 hours

Washington, Dec 28 (ANI): Power was restored to much of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, after a thunderstorm led to a massive blackout that left about 800,000 residents and tourists -including vacationing U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and his family - in the dark for 10 hours

The massive blackout started when a lightning strike at 6:05 p.m. local time overloaded the system, knocking out several generators.

At that time, the Obamas were at their vacation home, which lost power at 8:08 p.m.

By 8:35 p.m., all 11 of the island's generators were out, reports Politco.com.

A spokeswoman for Hawaiian Electric said that they quickly provided the Obamas with a portable generator, and that the governor's office and the Marine Corps also pitched in to 'keep his communications going and keep him safe.'

Power came back on for much of Kailua, including the house where President-elect Obama is staying at roughly 6 a.m. Saturday morning.

The transition released its first statement on the blackout: "Power went out during the 7 o'clock hour last evening at the residence in Kailua where the President-elect and his family are staying. Power was restored to the residence during the 6 o'clock hour this morning. The Obama family is grateful for the offers of assistance from local officials." (ANI)