Flood advisory expired; wind advisory begins at noon Wednesday
Feb. 7—4:45 p.m. UPDATE
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for most lower elevations of the state, effecting from noon Wednesday through 6 p.m. Friday.
An earlier flood advisory for Hawaii island, meanwhile, has expired.
Forecasters say strong high pressure will develop north of the state on Wednesday, bringing strong and gusty east winds of 25 to 35 mph, and localized gusts over 50 mph.
The wind advisory covers portions of Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu and Hawaii island, mainly over and downwind of terrain.
"Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles," the advisory said.
NWS also issued a wind advisory for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits and Haleakala, effective from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Friday.
East winds of 35 to 55 mph, with localized gusts over 60 mph, are expected for the summits.
"Consider postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve." said the advisory. :If you must travel to the summits, use extra caution walking and driving. Be careful opening or closing doors."
Winds are expected to slowly ease over the weekend.
EARLIER TODAY
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Hawaii island through 3 p.m. today.
At 12:01 p.m., radar indicated scattered downpours were moving across portions of the South Hilo, Puna, and Kau districts on Hawaii island. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour in the heaviest showers. Individual showers were moving toward the west at about 25 miles an hour.
Some locations that will experience flooding include Hawaiian Paradise Park, Volcano, Glenwood, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mountain View, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland Estates, Keaau, Wood Valley, Pahoa, Pahala, Papaikou, Honomu, Hakalau and Ninole.
Officials warn Hawaii island residents to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. The advisory may need to be extended beyond 3 p.m. if flooding persists.
Forecasters, meanwhile, expect tradewinds to ramp up to 25 mph across the isles, starting Wednesday, with gusts up to 45 mph. The strong winds are expected to continue Thursday through Friday at 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph.
A small craft advisory also remains in place for Maalaea Bay, Pailolo and Alenuihaha channels, and Hawaii island leeward and southeast waters through 6 a.m. Wednesday.