Wind advisory goes into effect later today for portions of Big Island
A wind advisory will be in effect from noon today to 6 p.m. Sunday for north, south and southeast portions of the Big Island as there is a potential for impacts in those areas from strong trade winds enhanced by terrain as Tropical Storm Moke passes to the south of the state.
The strongest winds are expected tonight and through Sunday night over and downslope of leeward areas of the island, including over mountain ridges, gaps and where winds blow downslope from higher terrain.
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu expect east to northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, in these areas.
Gusts could even approach high wind warning criteria — at 58 mph or stronger — in the normal windiest locations of the island including leeward Kohala and near South Point, which is also one of the places on the island hit the hardest a week ago by Hurricane Lala.
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.
Forecasters advise the public to:
- Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving.
- Make sure tents and awnings are secure or taken them down.
- Be prepared for power outages.
- Secure trash cans, lawn furniture and other loose outdoor objects that can be easily blown around by strong winds.
