By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Wind Advisory for Ka‘u, Waikoloa, Kohala, Waimea, Honokaa, Hilo, Volcano and the Saddle Road above 5,000 feet. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday (Dec 14).

The winds are being generated from a high pressure system far North-Northeast of the state with wind speeds forecast to be 20-35 mph with localized gusts over 45 mph.

These strong winds can bring down tree branches and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Gale warnings are in effect for the Alenuihaha and Pailolo Channels until 6 p.m. Friday (Dec 14). A Small Craft Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday (Dec 14) for Big Island windward, leeward and Southeast waters.

A High Surf Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday for all of the Big Island except for the district of Kona.

Surf is forecast to be in the seven to nine foot range peaking Thursday gradually lowering to six to eight feet Friday.

Rough breaking waves will cause hazardous conditions in the surf zone including dangerous rip currents.