GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
Crews clear debris and downed utility lines created by inclement weather around Oahu on Monday. Kahauiki Street in Kalihi remained closed due to the damage. Gusty tradewinds and dangerous surf are battering the Hawaiian islands today.
Gusty tradewinds and dangerous surf are battering the Hawaiian islands today, prompting weather officials to issue a suite of alerts for land and sea that will remain in effect through Wednesday morning.
A wind advisory is active for Maui County and Hawaii island until 6 p.m. today as tradewinds between 20 and 30 mph are expected with sudden gusts reaching up to 55 mph. These winds are powerful enough to tear off roof shingles, knock down tree branches and make it difficult to steer vehicles, particularly those with high profiles like trucks or vans.
More than 10,000 customers in West Maui remain without power this morning as part of Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program. “Power will remain off until the hazardous weather subsides and crews can inspect and make any needed repairs,” the company said in a post on X this morning.
For those near the coast, a high surf advisory is in place for all east shores until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Large breaking waves between 8 and 12 feet are creating strong currents that make swimming extremely dangerous. “Heed all advice from ocean safety officials,” the National Weather Service said in a bulletin. “When in doubt, don’t go out.”
The ocean remains particularly treacherous for boaters, as a gale warning is in effect for the windiest channels around Maui and Hawaii island until Wednesday morning. A gale is defined by the NWS as winds reaching between 39 and 54 mph, which can create hazardous seas capable of capsizing or damaging vessels. Mariners without significant experience are urged to seek safe harbor immediately.
On land, the air is thick with moisture, and officials note that Hawaii island summits could see snow tonight as temperatures drop at high elevations, which may lead to a winter weather alert later today.
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Today expect cloudy and windy conditions with frequent showers in the windward and mauka areas and scattered rain in leeward spots. High temperatures will range from 75 to 83 degrees, while tradewinds will blow at 20 to 35 mph with 55 mph gusts.
On Wednesday the weather will remain mostly cloudy and windy with scattered to numerous showers. Highs will stay between 76 and 83 degrees, with lows from 65 to 71 degrees and tradewinds slightly easing to 15 to 30 mph.
