By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Advisory map by the National Weather Service

A wind advisory continues for Kona, Ka‘u, Kohala and the Saddle Road area until 6 p.m. this evening. The areas include Kailua-Kona, Milolii, South Point, Pahala, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Waimea, Waikoloa, Bradshaw Airfield and Saddle Road above 5,000 feet in elevation.

Winds are from the East at 20-35 mph with localized gusts over 50 mph.

The strong winds can send trees, branches and other objects into roadways, power lines and/or equipment. These winds can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles. Motorists should use caution while driving.

Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) reminds people that if you see a downed power line you should stay as far away as possible and report any damage or outages to their dispatch center at (808) 969-6666.

The wind advisory for Big Island summits has been cancelled.

A gale warning until 6 a.m. Thursday (Feb 21) is in effect for Maalaea Bay, the Pailolo and Alenuihaha Channels, Big Island Leeward and Southeast waters. A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday for all other Hawaiian coastal waters.

A high surf advisory is in effect for East facing shores of the Big Island until 6 a.m. Thursday.

Surf is forecast to be in the seven to 10 foot range with occasional higher sets along East facing shores.

Coastal areas can expect strong breaking waves, shore breaks and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed the advice given by ocean safety officials and be careful. Know your limits and when in doubt, don’t go out.

Boaters should expect recreational surfers and bodyboarders using harbor channels to access surfing areas.