High wind warning issued for parts of the island
The National Weather Service has posted a high wind warning for parts of the Big Island and a high wind advisory for the rest of the island, until 6 a.m. Friday.
Winds between 25-45 mph are in the forecast, with localized gusts of more than 60 mph.
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The strong winds, caused by a cold front now southeast of the Big Island, will be particularly gusty over and downwind of mountains and through valleys through tonight.
Tom Birchard, senior forecaster for NWS in Honolulu, said there are three areas for where the warning is posted — leeward Kohala, the Saddle area and the Volcano area.
“It’s from a trade wind direction. At least when it’s from this direction, it’s less impactful than it would be when it’s from a different direction,” Birchard said. “But we’ve got gusts of up to 60 mph, which can cause localized damage and power outages.”
The warning itself said damaging winds might blow down trees and power lines and damage roofs.
According to Birchard, outdoor Christmas decorations could be affected and advised securing of any outdoor displays.
Birchard said shortly after 4 p.m. today there have been localized winds of between 30 mph and 35 mph in some Big Island locations.
“Kona, right now, is 32 mph sustained,” he said. “Right now, in Hilo town and out toward Richardson’s (Ocean Park), it’s gusting to 30 mph, coming out of the north.”
There also is a high surf advisory in effect for the northern facing shores of the Big Island. Birchard said that surf from this direction at the forecast height could cross Bayfront Highway in Hilo, and that could take place through the weekend.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
