Vog Rolls Over Islands

HONOLULU -- Oahu residents started noticing heavy vog rolling in Wednesday afternoon.

Residents in apartments on higher floors said they could see the vog blanket Oahu.

Fernanda Duarte walks her two dogs everyday on Prospect Street. However, she said conditions were not that of an ordinary day.

"Yeah, you can't even see the ocean at all. It's like it just keeps going. You know? Usually it's really blue and you can see everything," Duarte said.

The vog was so heavy it cut visibility to the sea and to the mountains. You could not see the airport unless you followed the commercial jets landing.

Some buildings were visible against a vog backdrop while others were shrouded behind the veil of vog.

The vog even snuffed out a potentially beautiful sunset.

The conditions could continue on Thursday. That could lead to potential sulfur dioxide problems for Big Island residents.

The districts of South Hilo and Upper Puna from Keaau to Volcano were under yellow warnings, which means people with allergies and respiratory problems should limit their exposure time outside.

On Punchbowl, Al and Elaine Yakabu took their nightly stroll. They initially thought bad weather rolled in.

"Oh, it's terrible. I stepped out of the house and I said, 'oh, we can't walk today.' I thought it was drizzling," Al Yakabu said.

The haze covered Diamond Head and hundred of homes on St. Louis Heights.

For some people the vog simply means a temporary change in landscape. For others it means a big headache.

"My allergy for my eyes, are always itchy and my sinuses are constantly running. It's really bad," Elaine Yakabu said. "I can't do much about it. I close up my windows and stay in the air-conditioned house."

People who have allergies or respiratory conditions should remain indoors.