A strong tropical storm is bearing down on Hawaii, and the state's electric company says it is fully staffed and ready for weekend power outages.

• Hawaiian Electric has turned on its emergency response plan and pulled in more than 500 workers to cover the weekend.
• Crews are doing final checks and trimming trees in key spots before the storm hits.
• Strong winds are the main worry, since falling trees and branches hitting power lines are the top cause of outages.
• Downed lines also raise the risk of wildfires, a serious concern in Hawaii.
• Residents are urged to prepare now, and to stay at least 30 feet from any downed lines and report them instead of approaching.

Outlook: Power outages are likely once the storm arrives, but crews are pre-positioned to restore service as fast as possible.