Update: Red flag warning, wind advisory canceled for Big Island

Update at 8:59 p.m. Aug. 9: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has canceled the red flag warning that was previously in effect for leeward areas of the Big Island.

The weather agency said trade winds are decreasing and humidity levels are recovering this evening.

The wind advisory for for Kohala and north and south portions of the Big Island also has been canceled as winds have dropped below advisory thresholds.

Update at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 9: A red flag warning that was previously in effect for Kona, Kohala and southern and interior portions of the Big Island has been extended until 6 a.m. Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu, very dry conditions combined with strong and gusty easterly winds and low humidity are expected to continue to produce critical fire weather conditions through late this evening.

Conditions are expected to improve late tonight as humidity increases and winds continue to decrease.

Locations in the warning areas can expect east winds at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, and humidity to range from 40% to 45% through this evening. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly. The warning, however, does not predict new fire starts.

The National Weather Service also extended a wind advisory in effect for Kohala and north and south portions of the Big Island until 6 a.m. Thursday. Locations in the advisory areas can expect east-northeast winds from 25 to 35 mph, with gusts around 50 mph.

Wind speeds will continue to trend lower tonight and tomorrow as the high pressure center north of the Hawaiian Islands and Hurricane Dora, currently south of the state, continue to move westward.

However, wind speeds remain elevated enough to warrant keeping the advisory in effect through tonight.

Original story: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has canceled the high wind warning that was in place for Kohala and south and southeastern portions of the Big Island and replaced it with a wind advisory until 6 p.m. today (Aug. 9).

East-northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph can be expected in the advisory areas through today, with gusts around 50 mph.

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.

Officials advise the public to 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.

Wind speeds are forecast to continue trending lower today and tomorrow as the high pressure center north of the Hawaiian Islands and Hurricane Dora, currently south of the state, continue to move westward.

The wind advisory for eastern portions of the island was canceled as wind speeds along most windward areas will remain below advisory thresholds. The high wind warning for interior portions of the island and the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa also was canceled since winds are expected to remain below warning thresholds.

Surf heights along the island’s east-facing shores also dropped below advisory and warning levels overnight, so the high surf warning was also canceled.