Wind Advisory Issued for Big Island Today

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory until 4 p.m. for the Big Island and Maui County.

Winds from the north to northeast are expected to be in the 25-40 mph range, with gusts to 50 mph.

The winds are being driven by a low-pressure system approaching the state from the northeast.

Located about 350 miles northeast of Hilo early this morning, the low is expected to bring unstable conditions to the Big Island this afternoon which carry a slight chance of thunderstorms, forecasters said. The low is expected to lift back to the north by Thursday morning.

The low is also generating a swell expected to peak tonight, prompting the issuing of a high-surf advisory for east-facing shores of all islands. A small-craft advisory is also in effect for windward waters until 6 a.m. Thursday.

More unsettled weather is expected to reach the state from the northwest by the weekend, although most of its effects will likely be focused on the western end of the state.