44 mph Gusts in Kahului as Cold Front Approaches

Kahului rainbow, panoramic 2/7/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Kahului Records 44 mph Winds

The highest wind gusts in the state today were reported on Maui where gusts of 44 miles per hour were recorded at Kahului Airport.

A wind advisory also remains in effect for the summit of Haleakala on Maui where gusts of 50mph are expected through tonight above the 6,000 foot eleveation.

Similar conditions were reported at the Lipoa monitoring station on Maui where 43 mph gusts were documented.  The outer islands reported gusts in the 30 mph range with 38 mph winds at Makapulapai, 37 mph winds at Molokai Airport, and 35 mph winds on Lanai.

The National Weather Service recorded an increase in southwest winds today, ahead of a fast moving cold front that continues to move its way up the island chain.

Special Weather Statement for Maui

The National Weather Service also issued a Special Weather Statement for Maui County as a narrow line of heavy showers associated with a cold front moves southeast this afternoon into the evening.

The system will bring locally gusty winds, mainly from the west and southwest.  Locally strong wind gusts will continue ahead of the front.

Forecasters say that as the front passes, winds will shift to the west and northwest and remain gusty with showery weather through the evening hours.