Civil Defense advises against hosting outdoor Thanksgiving events because of expected severe weather

Severe weather will bring high winds from the northeast and a significant north swell to the entire state starting tonight and through Thanksgiving Day.

A wind advisory has been issued for the Big Island from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, can be expected.

Impacts from winds that strong include damaging shingles, knocking down tree branches, blowing away tents and awnings and making it difficult to drive, especially for high profile vehicles. Also, be prepared for possible power outages.

The National Weather Service advises people to consider postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve. If it is necessary, use extra caution walking and driving and be careful opening or closing doors.

A cold front will move over the western Hawaiian Islands tonight before exiting east-southeast of the Big Island on Thursday. The system will generate a period of locally heavy rain in advance of the front, with strong and gusty northeast winds developing as the front passes.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and the National Weather Service advise the public to consider moving any planned outdoor Thanksgiving Day events inside, postponing hanging any outdoor holiday decorations and securing all outdoor items that could become damaged or airborne.

Because of the forecasted very windy conditions, camping permits for Thursday at Spencer Beach Park in Kawaihae are canceled.

Additionally, a powerful low pressure system passing north of the islands will generate a large north swell that will build tonight, with the peak of the swell potentially coinciding with extreme high tides Thursday and Friday mornings. Homeowners, beachgoers and boaters should prepare for the potential for high surf and significant wave runup along exposed north-facing shores.

Civil Defense advises those with shoreline property or boats from Upolu Point in North Kohala south through Hāmākua to Cape Kumukahi in Puna to secure their property. Because of the expected high surf conditions, the “park and ride” on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo is being relocated to the parking lot near the intersection of Kuawa Street and Monono Street.

Beaches also could be closed without notice.

More information will be provided as the weather develops.