Wild Weather on Maui: Gale Warning, High Winds, Rough Surf

East Maui, high surf. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Several weather advisories are in effect for the islands within Maui County. This includes a gale warning, a high surf advisory for east facing shores, and a wind advisory atop Haleakalā and across Kahoʻolawe.

Gale Warning/Small Craft Advisory: ʻAlenuihāhā Channel

The National Weather Service issued a gale warning for the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel in the waters between Hawaiʻi Island and Maui.

Forecasters say winds will be blowing at 35 knots with higher gusts, accompanied by rough seas of 12 to 17 feet.

For all other waters, there is a small craft advisory in effect through 6 p.m. on Friday, when winds are expected to taper off and weaken into the weekend, officials said.

High Surf Advisory East Shores: Maui and Molokaʻi

Also on the water, there is a high surf advisory in effect until 6 p.m. on Friday for the east facing shores of Maui and Molokaʻi.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say surf will be in the 6 to 8-foot range, generated by strong trade wind weather.

The public is advised that these conditions will result in strong breaking waves, and dangerous rip currents along affected shorelines.

Wind Advisory: Kahoʻolawe and Haleakalā Summit

A wind advisory has been issued until 6 p.m. on Thursday night, June 13 for the summit of Haleakalā above the 6,000-foot elevation, and the island of Kahoʻolawe.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory, saying winds will be in the 25 to 35 mph range, with localized gusts up to 50 mph.

Motorists, especially those driving high profile vehicles are asked to drive with caution. The pubic is also reminded that winds this strong can bring down tree branches and make driving difficult, authorities said.