#red flag warning

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday for South Kohala, Ka’u and the interior of the island as relative humidity levels fall and strong, gusty trade winds prevail, accompanied by drier air moving over the islands.

The Department of Water Supply urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of its water to review their personal situations and prepare accordingly in the event power shutoffs limit supply.

The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions, which increase the risk of wildfires.

Regardless of knowing and how many times in advance of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 in the Central Pacific, that people are told it’s impossible to precisely — 100% without a doubt, right on the money, no ifs, ands or buts — predict the movement of hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions, many still seem to enjoy living on the edge.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected with localized gusts up to 50 mph.

This Warning, prompted by high winds and low relative humidity, is effective for leeward areas of Hawaiʻi Island until 6 p.m. this evening.

As a wind advisory is still in effect, continue to exercise caution as dry conditions will continue to persist.

While the specific mandated rules attached to the emergency proclamation will no longer be mandatory, the County urges the public to remain steadfast, exercise caution and stay vigilant to ensure everyone’s safety.

While the wind advisory was also canceled, the National Weather Service states 45 mph gusts are still possible for portions of the Big Island.

The County is activating its Emergency Operation Center as much of the Big Island is already under a fire weather watch.

The watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon.

Conditions are still dry, however, humidity levels have dropped as well as wind speeds.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu says trade winds are decreasing and humidity levels are recovering this evening.

The red flag warning for leeward areas of the Big Island remains in effect as critical fire weather conditions of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures makes for extreme fire danger.

Hawai’i County officials say portions of West Hawai’i roadways remain closed due to the brushfire.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday approved the State of Hawai‘i’s request for a disaster declaration to provide assistance with the wind-whipped North Kohala wildfire on the Big Island.

Two more brush fires have broken out in South Kohala near the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach areas on the Big Island, according to Hawaiʻi County officials.

Fire crews continue to battle a brush fire in Pāhala that is not contained and has now reached nearly 100 acres.

As Hawai‘i Fire Department battles a 200-acre blaze in Pāhala, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Hawai‘i Island to include the areas of North and South Kohala, North and South Kona, and Ka‘ū beginning this morning through the day.

A red flag warning is in effect starting at 11 a.m. till 6 p.m. for leeward sections of all the islands.