50 mph Wind Gusts at Haleakalā and Kahoʻolawe

Haleakalā Summit, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 4:28 a.m. 8/1/13)

The National Weather Service has since cancelled the wind advisory as of 4:28 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013.

(Update: 9:17 a.m. 7/31/13)

Wind gusts of 50 mph are expected in the summit area of Haleakalā today, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency issued a wind advisory for the area above the 6,000-foot elevation, saying high pressure northeast of the state has brought strong winds to the summit.

The forecast calls for winds in the 25 to 35 mph range with gusts over 50 mph.  The strongest winds, NWS forecasters say, will be over ridge tops and gaps.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, authorities said.

There is also a wind advisory in effect for the island of Kahoʻolawe until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2013.

The forecast calls for winds blowing from the east at 30 to 40 mph with gusts in excess of 50 mph, NWS officials said.

Winds this strong, authorities say, could bring down tree branches.  Extra caution is advised.