City asks residents to secure Christmas yard decorations as high wind advisory posted

The city Department of Emergency Management is advising residents to make sure holiday yard decorations are securre as

strong tradewinds are likely to continue into early next week.

The winds are bringing blustery conditions, high surf to east shores and increased tradewind showers that could spread to leeward areas.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for all islands through 6 p.m. Saturday.

Forecasters expect winds up to 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 mph.

The weather service says strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles such as sport utility vehicles, vans and trucks.

Surf of 5 to 11 feet prompted a high surf advisory for east shores of most islands.

The strong breaking waves, shore break and rip currents can make swimming difficult and dangerous, forecasters said.

The winds and waves also prompted a gale warnings and small craft advisories for mariners in the waters around the islands.

Satellite images show the tradewinds blowing rain clouds over the islands, especially over Kauai. Some of the showers could be blown over leeward areas by the strong winds.

The forecast for Honolulu and south shores of Oahu calls for a 50 percent chance of rain through Saturday night.

Forecasters said the winds, cold weather and rains could prompt a winter weather advisory on Big Island summits because of freezing rain.

The Department of Emergency Management said holiday yard decorations like cutouts, inflatable items, and hollow plastic reindeer should be staked down using wood, metal or plastic stakes.

Some hollow decorations can be filled with sand or small rocks to anchor them or decorations can be secured with sandbags or other weights.

Lights should also be properly fastened to gutters and eves.

The city said residents should also secure lawn furniture, trash cans and other objects that could become projectiles in high winds and trim dead wood and weak or overhanging branches from trees.

In addition, residents should have flashlights, batter-operated radio and spare batteries on hand in case of a power outage.