High wind warning issued for most Hawaiian islands as storm approaches
![JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Dark clouds are seen on the horizon off Ala Moana Regional Park today. A severe storm system is set to hit the Hawaiian islands late Wednesday through Friday, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding.](https://staradvertiser.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_20250129_WEB_storm-coming--.jpeg)
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Dark clouds are seen on the horizon off Ala Moana Regional Park today. A severe storm system is set to hit the Hawaiian islands late Wednesday through Friday, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding.
![COURTESY NOAA
This color-enhanced radar image shows a potent storm system nearing Hawaii from the northwest today.](https://staradvertiser.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_20250129_WEB_kona-low-Wed..jpg)
COURTESY NOAA
This color-enhanced radar image shows a potent storm system nearing Hawaii from the northwest today.
![COURTESY NOAA
A satellite image this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.](https://staradvertiser.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_2025029_brk_sat01.jpg)
COURTESY NOAA
A satellite image this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.
![JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Dark clouds are seen on the horizon off Ala Moana Regional Park today. A severe storm system is set to hit the Hawaiian islands late Wednesday through Friday, bringing strong winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding.](https://staradvertiser.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_20250129_WEB_storm-coming--.jpeg)
![COURTESY NOAA
This color-enhanced radar image shows a potent storm system nearing Hawaii from the northwest today.](https://staradvertiser.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_20250129_WEB_kona-low-Wed..jpg)
![COURTESY NOAA
A satellite image this morning shows areas of moisture over Hawaii.](https://staradvertiser.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_2025029_brk_sat01.jpg)
UPDATE: 3:25 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu, effective from 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Friday.
Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with localized gusts over 60 mph, are expected on the three islands, the National Weather Service.
“The highest risk for damaging gusts will be over and to the east of mountains, although other areas could see damaging gusts as well,” said NWS.
Winds are expected to increase near Kauai this evening into the night, and then spread to Oahu overnight into early Thursday.
The weather service also issued a high wind warning for Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui and Molokai, from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday, with south winds 25 to 35 mph and localized gusts over 60 mph.
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“Winds will blow strongest over and near ridges and between gaps in terrain, said NWS.
Forecasters urge the public to prepare for the possibility of property damage and power outages.
Additionally, strong winds may lead to property damage and hazardous driving conditions due to powerful crosswinds, especially for drivers, especially for lightweight and high-profile vehicles.
The public should bring loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly.
All main Hawaiian islands are under a flood watch this evening through Friday afternoon due to a powerful winter storm arriving from the west.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
A powerful winter storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and possible flash flooding across Hawaii starting this evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said the system will pass north of Kauai on Thursday, dragging a cold front down the island chain through Friday. The front is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flash flooding across all main Hawaiian islands.
A flood watch is in effect from this evening through Friday afternoon, with urban areas at higher risk for significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. The weather service warned that flood-prone roads and low-lying areas could be closed due to excessive rainfall.
Along with the rain, a high wind watch is in place for most of the state from this evening through late Thursday night. Southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, could cause damage to trees and power lines. Officials warned that widespread power outages are possible, and travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Residents are urged to remain alert for updates and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Meanwhile, cool and calm conditions this morning will give way to increasing clouds, strengthening winds, and widespread rain as the strong winter storm approaches Hawaii, forecasters said. Winds will shift out of the south-southeast ahead of the system, bringing humid conditions before the storm moves in.
The most significant impacts are expected from Thursday through Friday, with flash flooding, damaging south-to-southwest winds, and hazardous marine conditions. Conditions will improve by Friday night as the front moves east, with drier and more stable weather expected through the weekend and into early next week.
NWS officials urge residents to take precautions to protect property before the storm hits, and to tie down loose objects or move them to a sheltered location.
Hawaiian Electric officials said the company was monitoring the weather and encouraged residents to check their emergency preparations and prepare for the possibility of power outages. They said those preparations should include:
>> Checking emergency equipment such as flashlights, generators, battery-operated radios, light sticks, and lanterns to be sure they are operational.
>> Buying extra batteries.
>> Having a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on the weather conditions.
>> Making sure portable generators are in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
>> Turning refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings in case power goes out.
>> Turning off and unplugging any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics in case of a power outage.
>> And assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous, and stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines.
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More Hawaiian Electric preparation and safety tips are available at hawaiianelectric.com/stormcenter.