Gusty Winds Prompt Special Weather Statement

Wind rustling ti leaf plant, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement and a high wind watch, advising of strong and gusty trade winds expected across the state this weekend.

Sustained winds of at least 40 mph, or gusts of 60 mph or stronger, are expected on Saturday and Sunday, with winds expected to funnel and accelerate between islands and leeward mountain areas, according to the NWS forecast.

Forecasters attribute the high winds to “building high pressure in the wake of a weak frontal system.”

The agency advises that winds this strong can do damage to trees power lines and roofs.

The NWS suggests that outdoor objects that could become airborne in strong winds be tied down ahead of the wind arrival.

“Showers will increase from the southeast ahead of a weak front approaching from the northwest,” NWS forecasters said in an area synopsis.

Both the winds and showers are expected to diminish into early next week, the agency said.

According to hourly wind plot data compiled by the NWS, winds northeast winds of 9-14 mph were recorded this morning in the Kāʻanapali area of Maui, and north northwest winds of 15-20 mph were recorded near Kīpahulu.

Winds were still light this morning in areas where gusts are typically strong, including atop Haleakalā and in Māʻalaea, where winds were projected to be northeast at 6 mph today.

Forecasters anticipate the issuance of a wind warning from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening.