Blustery Winds, High Surf Expected for Maui County

File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

A wind advisory has been continued for Maui, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe until tonight. Moloka’i has been included in the advisory, the National Weather service announced.

Blustery conditions of 20 to 30 mph with localized gusts of 50 mph are expected to impact the islands until 6 p.m. this evening.

Winds this strong could down tree branches and cause localized power outages, the county warned. Motorists are urged to drive with caution.

All north facing shores of Maui County are also under a high surf warning until 6 a.m. Monday morning, with seas expected to reach 20 to 28 feet. East facing shores of Maui and Moloka’i could see 8 to 12 foot waves.

According to the NWS, a high surf warning means that battering waves striking the shoreline could create dangerous swimming conditions.

Officials are urging inexperienced swimmers to remain off beaches and beachfront areas.

“Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death,” an announcement from the county read.

Click here for preparation tips from the county.