(BIVN) – A Wind Advisory has been issued for portions of Hawaiʻi island, as well as the islands of Kahoʻolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokaʻi.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu says that starting around midnight, northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts up to 50 mph possible.
“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 forecasters warned. “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.”
Areas on Hawaiʻi island that are likely to see strong winds include windward Kaʻū and parts of Hāmākua, North and South Kohala, and portions of North Kona.
Emergency officials are also keeping an eye on the potential for fire weather conditions. Hawaiian Electric has already initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch for Hawaiʻi, Maui and Oʻahu counties.
From the National Weather Service:
Fire weather conditions will remain near critical levels over the next several days, mainly do the uptick in winds tonight that will persist through Thursday. With the trades strengthening under a drier air mass, winds and humidity will likely reach critical thresholds on Wednesday, while fuel conditions remain below critical thresholds due to the above average rainfall over the past few months. Due to the fuels, Red Flag Warnings are not expected at this time, but near critical fire weather conditions are expected Wednesday and Thursday. Winds should ease slightly with a modest increase of humidities on Friday.
Temperature inversion heights will remain between 5,000 and 7,000 feet across the state. The strong low level inversion will make winds quite gusty especially during the afternoons and evenings downwind of terrain over the next several days.
