Wind Advisory: Localized gusts up to 50 mph in forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for portions of Maui, Lānaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island through 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The NWS forecast calls for east winds blowing at 20-30 mph with localized gusts up to 50 mph.

“Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles,” according to the NWS.

The Winds will be strongest over and just west of terrain, according to the forecast.

For Maui, areas under the advisory include the Central Valley, Kīpahulu and Haleakalā. On Lānaʻi, areas most impacted will be the leeward and south sides of the island.

The NWS reports that strong and gusty easterly trade winds will continue into Monday, with showers favoring windward and mauka locations as pockets of moisture move through.

“Some showers will carry over into leeward areas of the smaller islands periodically with the strong winds in place, mostly overnight through the mornings. High clouds associated with an upper disturbance west of the state will support mostly cloudy conditions through the weekend,” according to the NWS forecast.

The NWS reports that trade winds will likely be disrupted Tuesday into midweek, followed by a cold front advancing down the island chain Wednesday through Thursday. Breezy northerly winds and drier conditions will follow the front, according to the forecast.