High wind warning issued for southern, northern Big Island, wind advisory in effect for interior, southeastern areas

A high wind warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday for southern and northern Big Island, over and downwind of terrain, especially in Kohala.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu report east winds 30 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph, are possible in the warning areas.

Damaging wind that strong can blow down trees and power lines as well as damage roofs. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult for drivers, especially in high-profile vehicles.

Strong winds also can lead to property damage.

Hazardous driving conditions because of powerful crosswinds will pose a serious risk for drivers, especially for lightweight and high-profile vehicles.

Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or properly secured.

A high wind warning means sustained winds of at least 40 mph are expected, with gusts at 60 mph. Members of the public also are reminded to stay away from downed power lines.

Meanwhile, a wind advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday for interior and southeast parts of the Big Island, with the possibility of 25 to 35 mph east winds and gusts up to 55 mph, mainly over and downwind of terrain.

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

Members of the public need 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.

Public safety power shutoff watch

Hawaiian Electric is now monitoring high winds and dry conditions that could lead to an increased risk of wildfires throughout its service territories as Hurricane Nolo continues to track westward.

The utility firm implemented all safety measures to reduce wildfire risk during severe weather conditions. It also initiated a public safety power shutoff watch.

If weather conditions intensify during the next 24 hours, Hawaiian Electric could proactively shut off power in communities with high risk of wildfire. Customers in the those areas also are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

The electric company implemented safety measures such as protective devices and settings that might result in more frequent and longer outages while inspections and repairs are performed.

Criteria for determining a public safety power shutoff include persistent drought conditions, wind gusts 45 mph or stronger and relative humidity below 45%.

As of 7:30 p.m. Saturday:

Maui County

• Hawaiian Electric de-energized power lines in the area of a brushfire in the Olowalu area of West Maui.
• About 740 customers in the area should be prepared to be without power overnight.
• Once the fire is out and it is safe to enter the area, crews must inspect lines and equipment and make any necessary repairs before power can be restored.
• This outage was not a public safety power shutoff.

Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu

• There are currently no major outages on either.

Call Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or visit the Hawaiian Electric website (hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS) for additional information and maps.

Outages that are not related to the company’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Program could still happen because of high winds and other conditions.

Customers can find outage updates, safety information and reporting options at the Hawaiian Electric website, through the Hawaiʻi Island trouble line at 1-855-304-9191 or online.

Additional preparation and safety tips are available on the Hawaiian Electric website.