The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Wind Advisory for Big Island summits, Ka‘u and Kohala until 6 a.m. Monday (Dec 15).
Summit winds are forecast to be in the 30-50 mph range with gusts up to 70 mph. Winds in Ka‘u, North and East Kohala are forecast to come from the Northeast at 20-35 mph with localized gusts over 50 mph through channeled areas and areas over and immediately to the Leeward sides of mountains where trade winds blow downslope.
The strong winds can send trees, branches and other objects into roadways, power lines and/or equipment. Winds this strong can damage roofs and cause flying debris if outdoor items are not properly tied down. These winds can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles. The winds can also forcefully swing doors open or shut so use caution when opening or closing vehicle doors.
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.
This wind advisory may be extended should strong winds continue.
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