Update: Big Island wind advisory extended

Update at 4:22 p.m. March 6: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a wind advisory in effect for most of the Big Island until 6 a.m. Thursday.

Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph, with localized gusts to 50 mph are forecast, with the strongest winds expected through the passes and higher terrain of North and South Kohala, near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and near South Point.

The public is advised to watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving, make sure tents and awnings are secure or taken down and be prepared for power outages.

Original post: A wind advisory is in effect starting at 8 a.m. for North Kohala, South Kohala, Hāmākua and Ka‘ū Districts, along with Hawai‘i Island Interior through Wednesday evening.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with localized gusts to 50 mph.

Winds will be strongest through the passes and higher terrain of the North and South Kohala Districts, near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and near South Point.

The advisory is in effect till 8 p.m.

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.