(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Wind Advisory for Big Island Summits until 5 p.m. HST this afternoon.

Forecasters say winds will be 40 to 55 mph, with gusts as high as 80 mph, due to strong southwest winds associated with a mid level trough over Maui. The winds will be diminishing gradually through out the day, and should ease below advisory level this afternoon.

“The road to the summit of Maunakea is closed at the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 foot elevation due to high winds sustained in the 50 to 60 mph range with gusts over 60 mph,” rangers stated today. “There is also a high wind advisory in effect until 5PM this evening for Big Island summits. Rangers will continue to monitor the weather conditions and this message will be updated periodically.”

A Wind Advisory for the summits means that sustained winds of at least 45 mph, or gusts of at least 55 mph, are expected. Motorists should use caution, forecasters say.