Update: High wind advisory for Big Island summits is canceled

7:27 a.m. Feb. 19 update: Wind advisory for Big Island summits is canceled.

6:40 p.m. Feb. 17 update: A wind advisory for Big Island summits was extended till 6 a.m. Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, strong and gusty westerly winds will continue through tonight but then are expected to decline.

West winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected.

6:41 a.m. Feb. 16 update: A high wind warning is now in effect till 6 p.m. Saturday for Big Island summits.

West winds of 50 to 60 mph are expected with gusts over 70 mph.

Winds are expected to drop to advisory levels by Saturday evening.

3:21 p.m. Feb. 15 update: The high wind warning in effect for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island has been extended until 6 a.m. Saturday.

A robust subtropical jetstream will bring dangerously strong west winds to the summits. Winds are expected to drop to advisory levels Saturday.

West winds of 40 to 60 mph, with gusts of more than 85 mph, are forecast.

3:46 p.m. Feb. 14 update: The high wind watch for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa has transitioned to a high wind warning. The National Weather Service warning is set to end 6 p.m. Friday. West winds will strengthen from 40 to 60 mph with gusts over 75 mph, beginning this evening.

Original post: A high wind watch is in effect for Big Island summits from 6 p.m. tonight through Friday afternoon.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a gradient between a trough aloft to the north and a ridge to the south will bring dangerously strong west winds starting tonight.

West winds of 30 to 60 mph with gusts over 75 mph are possible.

Winds this strong can make driving and walking dangerous. The winds can forcefully open doors and damage hinges or slam doors shut, possibly causing injuries.