Wind advisory: Forecast calls for gusts up to 50 mph for parts of Big Island

A weakening stationary front just north of the islands at the surface and another high pressure system centered about 1,100 miles northest of Honolulu are creating a pressure gradient that is producing breezy trade winds across portions of the state, including parts of the Big Island.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a wind advisory as a result that is in effect until 10 p.m. today (April 6) for North and South Kohala as well as parts of Kaʻū and Puna, including South Point, Pāhala and Kalapana.

Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected in the advisory areas, with gusts up to 50 mph.

Winds that strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult for drivers to steer, especially in high-profile vehicles.

Forecasters advise the public to:

• Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving.
• Make sure tents and awnings are secure or taken down.
• Be prepared for power outages.
• Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle.
• Secure outdoor objects such as trash cans, lawn furniture and other loose items that can be easily blown around by strong winds.

The National Weather Service area forecast synopsis for the state early this morning said a series of high pressure systems building to the northwest and north of the the islands will keep trades blowing during the next 7 days.

Those trade winds will peak at breezy to windy levels today and then ease to moderate and locally breezy levels Monday through late next week.

The gradient causing advisory level winds today will remain quite strong for the first part of the week, but a front passing by to the north of the state and a weak trough moving in from the east should weaken it Tuesday into Wednesday, easing trades to moderate levels.

A new strong high pressure system building north of the islands Thursday into next weekend could bring a return of breezy trade winds.

There also remains a high surf warning in effect until 6 p.m. today for north- and east-facing shorelines of the island.

For the most up-to-date forecast information and weather advisories, visit the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website.