Update #3: All things weather-related for March 8 on the Big Island

Update #3 at 5 p.m. on March 8: The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reports that strong winds today have caused utility outages, downed trees, road closures and malfunctioning of traffic signal lights across the Big Island, particularly in Puna, Kaʻu, Kona, Kohala and Hamakua Districts.

Utility repair personnel and road crews have been responding all day and will continue to work through the evening to restore utility lines, clear debris, and reopen roads. At this time, there are no major arterial roads closed.

But Hawaiʻi Island police report that both lanes of Honokaʻa-Waipiʻo Road, between the 5 and 6 mile markers, are closed due to a fallen tree. Officers are directing traffic and allowing vehicles to travel in both directions on the shoulder.  

Due to the current wind conditions, residents are requested to:

• Stay off the roadways, limit travel to essential only, and shelter-in-place until conditions improve.
• Treat all non-functioning traffic signal lights as a 4-way Stop.
• Stay away from any downed utility lines and report downed utility lines to authorities.
• Treat all downed lines as energized and dangerous.

Update #2 at 3:40 p.m. on March 8: A Nāʻālehu citizen reports that South Point Road was closed from Highway 11 to Kamaoa Road on Wednesday afternoon due to a fallen tree and downed power line.

Update #1 at 12 p.m. on March 8: The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense has issued these weather-related updates.

• Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science in Pāhoa is requesting all parents to please pick-up your child from school at this time due to a power outage caused by high winds. For parents with questions regarding this request, please contact the school at 808-965-3730.

• Kamehameha Park in North Kohala is closed due to high winds and power disruption.

• Mahu Kona Beach Park in North Kohala is closed due to high surf.

• Eastbound lane of Mamalahoa Hwy in Waiohinu (Ka’u District) is closed due to down power lines from a fallen tree. Motorists are advised to expect delays.

As power outages are being reported throughout the island, motorists should treat all non-functioning traffic signal lights as a 4-way Stop.

Stay away from any downed utility lines and report downed utility lines to authorities. Treat all lines as energized and dangerous.

Original post: The National Weather Service’s high wind advisory for all districts of Hawaiʻi Island remains in effect through Thursday. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with localized gusts over 50 mph are forecast.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department reports North Kohala District is experiencing utility outages due to downed utility lines along Highway 250 (Kohala Mountain Road). Repair crews estimate restoration to be completed this morning.

The weather serviceʻs high wind warning for the summits of the Big Island also remain in effect through Sunday. Sustained winds of 70 to 90 mph with higher gusts are forecast for areas above 8,000 feet.

Motorists should avoid summit roads until conditions improve.

The weather service’s high surf warning for all west-facing shores of the Big Island from Upolu Point in North Kohala to South Point in Ka’u will be in affect tonight through Thursday. Surf is expected to increase to 10 to 15 feet.

Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials. Beaches also may close without notice.