High wind and surf expected over the weekend for portions of Hawai‘i Island

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory, high surf advisory as well as a small craft advisory for the Big Island through the weekend.

The high surf advisory is in effect till 6 a.m. Saturday. ‘Upolu Point in North Kohala through Cape Kumukahi in Puna to South Point in Ka‘ū are expected to see 6 to 10 feet of surf.

Beachgoers should expect strong breaking waves and currents will make swimming dangerous.

The high wind advisory was issued for North and South Kohala and sections of Hāmākua. The advisory remains in place till 6 p.m. tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, a strong high pressure system far north of Hawai‘i will deliver strong trade winds and gusts today, particularly in exposed areas.

Stable conditions will allow for intense downsloping gusts in the south Kohala area. Sustained winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph can be expected.

Winds this strong can knock down tree branches, blow away tents and make driving difficult.

Additionally, a small craft advisory is now in effect till Monday for all Hawaiian coastal waters. Watermen can expect east winds of 20 to 30 knots and seas of 8 to 12 feet. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.