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Time-lapse movie of Hilo and Mauna Kea

By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issed a high wind warning for Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea for elevations above 8,000 feet until 6 p.m. this evening. A wind advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. tonight until 1 a.m. Tuesday (June 19).

Winds are coming from the East at 30-50 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Mauna Kea Rangers have closed the Mauna Kea summit road above the Visitor Information Station due to these extremely high winds.

A high wind warning is also in effect for Saddle Road and Bradshaw Airfield above 5,000 feet. Winds front the East are blowing at 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph this afternoon. This evening winds are forecast to decrease to 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Winds are forecast to decline the first half of tonight.

A high wind warning remains in effect for Big Island North and East Kohala, Kailua-Kona, Milolii, South Point, Pahala, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Waimea and Waikoloa until 6 p.m. this evening. Winds are from the East at 15-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph through the afternoon.

These strong winds can bring down tree branches and make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles. Drivers should use extra caution on roadways.

The winds are being caused by two high pressure systems Northeast of the islands and should reduce to moderate strength on Tuesday and Wednesday.

There is a Gale warning until 6 p.m. tonight for the Alenuihaha and Pailolo Channels along with waters South of the Big Island. A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for all other Hawaiian waters and channels.