HIGH WIND WATCH: Noon Saturday to Sunday Night

Iwa bird. The Hawaiian saying, “Kīkaha ka ʻiwa, he lā makani,” is translated as, “poises the frigate bird,” and is said of a windy day. (Source: Pukui/Elbert – Hawaiian Dictionary) File photo by Wendy Osher.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for the state this weekend as a cold front moves down the island chain and a strong high pressure system passes north of the islands.

This combination will bring very windy conditions to all islands Saturday and Sunday. The strongest NE to E winds will be over higher terrain, through mountain gaps and downslope of the mountains.

The High Wind Watch is in effect from noon on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 to Sunday night, Jan. 22, 2017.

The NWS says that in Maui County, the strongest winds will be in the lee of mountain areas, across much of Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe and through the Central Valley of Maui.

Accoring to the NWS, notheasterly winds will increase as the weak front moves down the islands from the north on Saturday. These winds will accelerate over terrain and down lee slopes of most islands and may reach warning strength on Saturday afternoon through Saturday night before gradually declining on Sunday.

The NWS expects NE trades to be in the range of 25 to 40 mph with localized gusts of over 60 mph.

Strongest winds based on location:

Kauaʻi: The strongest winds will be focused in leeward areas from Barking Sands to Koloa.

Oʻahu: The strongest winds will impact areas over and immediately west of the Koʻolau and Waiʻanae ranges.

Maui County: The strongest winds will be in the lee of mountain areas, across much of Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe and through the Central Valley of Maui.

Hawaiʻi Island: The strongest winds will be focused in the leeward Kohala area, the Waimea to Kawaihae Corridor, Western Saddle areas, and north of Kailua-Kona in the North Kona District.

Winds this strong can result in damaged roofs, broken and falling tree branches, downed power poles and power lines.  This could result in interruptions to power, downed trees and flying debris if outdoor items are not properly tied down.

Residents are asked to bring in or tie down any loose outdoor items.  They are also encouraged to trim older and weaker tree branches that may impact homes.