All roads were reopened and water and power were restored to most South Kona residents yesterday after lightning and flash flooding Wednesday caused traffic and utility problems.

Lightning strikes on transmission equipment in the South Kona area began at about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, knocking out power to about 500 customers for the afternoon and much of the evening. Some scattered areas of South Kona remained without power yesterday morning, civil defense officials said.

At 5 p.m. yesterday, Hawaii Electric Light Co. said crews would work through the night to restore service to an estimated 75 customers still without power.

HELCO asked that customers who are experiencing power problems and who have not yet reported them to call the company's trouble desk at 969-6666.

The lightning also caused water service problems by cutting power to Haleki'i Well, near Kona Community Hospital, and to the Honalo Booster Station.

Both were back in service by 1:45 p.m. yesterday, but county water officials said portions of Honaunau, Captain Cook, Keopuka and Kealakekua would continue to have low water pressure until local reservoirs can refill.

Residents were asked to conserve water during the peak consumption hours yesterday afternoon and evening.

Wednesday's storm also caused a water main break near the 103-mile marker of Hawai'i Belt Road, but repairs were completed by late Wednesday, water officials said.