Wind advisory in effect for most Hawaiian islands until 6 p.m. Tuesday

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for most islands from Oahu to Hawaii island, effective through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Northeast winds with speeds between 20 and 30 mph are expected to impact parts of Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii island, with localized gusts over 45 mph expected at times. Molokai, Kauai and Niihau are not covered by the advisory.

According to the NWS, the strongest gusts will occur “near mountains, gaps and where winds blow down-slope from higher terrain.”

Areas of impact include Kahuku, Punaluu, Laie, Makakilo, Manele, Lanai City, Wailuku, Haiku, Makawao, Hana, Kihei, Makena, Pukalani, Kula, South Point, Pahala, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Kamuela, Waikoloa, Bradshaw Field, and Saddle Road above 5,000 feet.

Officials warn that winds this strong can blow tree limbs down and cause sporadic power outages. Motorists are advised to use extra caution while driving.

Today’s forecast is partly cloudy and windy with scattered showers for the windward side, isolated showers for the leeward side, and highs from 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Dew points are forecast to drop into the lowers 60s as driver air moves in tonight.

Forecasters say the strongest trades are expected to occur Tuesday through Wednesday and to last through the first half of the week as high pressure builds to the north. Clouds and showers are expected to favor windward and mauka areas overnight and into the early morning.

Drier air moves in by Tuesday, limiting rainfall accumulations.

Surf along east facing shores will be on the rise over the next several days, due to a combination of strong trades and a short-period northeast swell. It will likely rise to advisory levels tonight and remain elevated through most of the week.

Surf along east facing shores today is expected at 4 to 6 feet before increasing to 5 to 8 feet Tuesday. Surf along south facing shores will be 3 to 5 feet today, increasing to 5 to 7 feet Tuesday.

Surf along north facing shores will be 4 to 7 feet today, then 3 to 5 feet Tuesday. Surf along west facing shores will be 3 to 5 feet through Tuesday.

Rain is expected to increase later in the week and through the upcoming weekend as an upper disturbance moves into the area from the north.

A small craft advisory for most Hawaiian waters — from northwest of Kauai to windward of Hawaii island – also remains in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday.