Wind advisory issued statewide, high surf advisory for most islands
UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.
A high surf advisory for east facing shores is in effect for most islands until 6 a.m. Saturday.
Surf is forecast to build to 7 to 10 feet tonight, reaching between 8 to 12 feet Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
“A large fetch area upstream of the islands, generated by strong persistent trade winds, will produce advisory level surf along east facing shores over the next couple of days,” NWS said.
Areas impacted include Olomana, Maui Windward West, Kauai East, Koolau Windward, Molokai Windward, Molokai North, Maui Central Valley North, Windward Haleakala, Big Island East and Big Island North.
Meanwhile, NWS has posted a high wind warning for the area over and downwind of the Kohala Mountains near Kamuela.
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Forecasters predict east winds between 20 to 40 mph with localized gusts reaching over 58 mph.
“Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines and damage roofs,” NWS said. “Power outages are possible.”
The warning also notes that wind will make travel difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
The high wind warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday.
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The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory statewide, effective from noon today to 6 p.m. Friday.
Forecasters say tradewinds have already picked up speeds of up to 25 mph at multiple locations this morning, and are expected to ramp up to 25 to 35 mph, with localized gusts over 50 mph, this afternoon.
The advisory covers all of Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu and most areas of Hawaii island, mainly over and downwind of terrain.
“Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles,” the advisory said. “Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving. Make sure tents and awnings are secure or take them down. Be prepared for power outages.”
A separate wind advisory for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii island, and for Haleakala on Maui, goes into effect from 6 p.m. today through 6 p.m. Friday.
At summits, east winds of 35 to 55 mph are expected, with localized gusts over 60 mph.
The NWS recommends postponing travel to summits until conditions improve, warning that winds this strong can make driving and walking difficult, forcefully open doors and damage hinges.
The gusts are due to a strong high-pressure system passing north of the island chain. Winds are expected to slowly ease this weekend but will remain locally strong through early next week.
Surf along east shores is on the rise, and may reach advisory levels of 7 to 10 feet late Thursday due to strong trades.
A gale warning for Maalaea Bay, Pailolo and Alenuihaha channels, and Hawaii island leeward and southeast waters, also remains in effect through 6 p.m. Friday. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas, officials said, which could capsize or damage vessels.
