Wind advisory in effect for portions of Big Island, winds may impact water service in Waimea, Waikōloa
Editorʻs note: This story was updated at 4 p.m. Friday, July 31.
A wind advisory is in effect for seven of the eight Hawaiian Islands starting at noon.
According to the National Weather Service, east-northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected for portions of south Kauaʻi, O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Lana‘i and the Big Island.
The winds on Hawai‘i Island will mostly be felt in its interior, stretching from the north in Kohala to the south in Ka‘ū. The advisory is in place until 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Wind speeds are predicted to reach 45 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 mph at the summits of Maunakea and Mauna Loa.
Winds will accelerate downslope, near mountaintops and ridges, through gaps in the terrain and in areas typically exposed to strong trade winds, according to meteorologists.
Impacts include shingles torn off homes, down trees, blow away tents and awnings and driving may be difficult for drivers of high profile vehicles.
The Department of Water Supply is also advising customers to plan for possible impacts to water service if the electrical power is disrupted or turned off preemptively as a fire-safety response to high winds forecasted for the Waimea and Waikōloa areas.
Although Hawaiian Electric has not yet indicated the possibility of implementing their public safety power shutoff, the Department of Water Supply is preparing for possible extended power outages due to a wind advisory in effect through the weekend.
All Department of Water Supply customers are asked to immediately reduce their water usage by 10% so the department can adjust their systems and resources in preparation for fire protection.
Should a power safety shutoff be implemented or there are other situations of prolonged power outages, Department of Water Supply will require that customers restrict water use further, for consumptive and hygiene purposes only, and may physically restrict non-consumptive uses such as irrigation.
The Department of Water Supply relies on Hawaiian Electric power to operate the wells and booster pumps to distribute water to customers. An extended power outage could diminish or deplete portions of the water systems and leave customers with low pressure or no water.
If Hawaiian Electric implements a power safety shutoff, the Department of Water Supply will likely need to restrict or ration potable water for fire protection, drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene purposes only. Car washing, irrigation, and other non-essential uses of water would need to be suspended until all power and water systems have been returned to normal conditions.
The Department of Water Supply strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of water to review their personal situation and prepare accordingly.
Customers should have alternative sources of potable water and enough supply to meet their essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts service. Ways to safely store drinking water are listed in the Water Emergency Preparedness guide available online under the “Community” drop-down menu option on the Department’s website.
To reach the Departmet of Water Supply, call (808) 961-8050 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies, or email dws@hawaiidws.org.
