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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
The Honolulu City Lights were closed on Friday night.
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
A sign today warns drivers, “Drive Like Santa’s Watching.”
UPDATE:
3:35 p.m.
The Honolulu and Kapolei city lights will remain closed tonight due to windy conditions. Both sites were closed on Friday due to windy conditions.
3 p.m.
A wind advisory is in effect for the state until 6 a.m. Sunday. East winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, are expected.
A strong high pressure system north of the islands and a broad area of low pressure west of the area will result in strong trade winds tonight, according to the National Weather Service. Winds will gradually ease starting Sunday.
The National Weather Service said winds this strong are capable of downing trees, tents and other temporary structures, and cause power power outages.
11:30 a.m.
This is the list of highest peak wind reports across the state over the past 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service:
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
>> Kuaokala: 48 mph
>> Kahuku: 43 mph
>> Palehua: 43 mph
>> Honolulu: 41 mph
>> Kaneohe Mcas: 38 mph
>> Mokuleia: 37 mph
KAUAI
>> Lihue: 44 mph
>> Kapaa: 38 mph
MAUI COUNTY:
>> Kaneloa: 46 mph
>> Makapulapai: 46 mph
>>Molokai: 43 mph
>> Lanai: 43 mph
>>Kealia Pond: 41 mph
>> Kahului: 37 mph
HAWAII COUNTY
>> Kohala Ranch: 57 mph
>> Waikoloa: 45 mph
>> Waimea (Kamuela): 43 mph
9:57 a.m.
Strong winds toppled trees today at the 4th Marine Division Memorial Park in Haiku.
The Maui Department of Parks and Recreation this morning announced the park’s closure until the area is cleared and safe for public use, according to a news release.
8:09 a.m.
The Honolulu Zoo is closed today, while the “Christmas with the Animals” event is postponed as a result of the weather conditions.
According to a city news release, the zoo will likely reopen Sunday.
6:25 a.m.
A high wind warning is in effect for the state through early this evening.
Earlier this morning, two power poles were toppled near Hawaii Country Club and resulted in the closure of Kunia Road in the area.
Very strong trade winds will build across the islands today as a strong high pressure system north of the islands and a low pressure west of the state develops, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
“A wet weather pattern could develop around the Christmas holiday, but confidence in the details remains low at this time,” according to forecasters.
East to northeast winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected today for the entire state. The strongest winds are forecasted to occur over and immediately downwind from the mountains.
Damaging winds, downed trees, fallen power lines and sporadic power outages are likely. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
“Stay away from downed power lines,” the warning said.
The warning will remain in effect until 6 p.m.
High surf
A high-surf advisory is in effect for the east-facing shores of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii island through Sunday evening.
Due to a strong high pressure north of the area, strong to gale-force trade winds will develop and result in large and rough surf along the east-facing shores.
Expect surf of 8 to 12 feet through tonight, gradually lowering to 7 to 10 feet Sunday.
Surf will be rough and choppy as a result of the strong onshore winds.
“Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous,” according to the advisory.
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