Wind Advisory Issued for Haleakala Summit

High wind warning. Photo courtesy of weatheradvance.com.

By Rodney S. Yap

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a wind advisory for the Haleakala Summit, including Haleakala National Park above 6,000 feet, in effect until 6 p.m.

A wind advisory means that winds of 30 mph and gusts of 50 mph are expected. Winds are blowing from the east to southeast direction.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Motorist are advised to use extra caution while driving.

The National Weather Service says the approach of what’s left of Emilia is also bringing extra moisture into the tradewind flow and the possibility of increased tradewind showers, especially on Hawaii island, through Wednesday.

Emilia, which had been a major hurricane last week, is now considered a tropical remnant, a low pressure system that is barely a storm.

Emilia to the south and unseasonably strong high pressure northeast of the state are contributing to gusty tradewinds and rough surf from the east.

In addition to Haleakala, a high-wind advisory is in effect for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Forecasters say most of the rain clouds associated with Emilia will pass south of Hawaii today through Wednesday. But increased moisture in the atmosphere could bring wetter tradewind showers into the windward areas of Hawaii island, and, to a lesser extent, to other islands through Wednesday.