Strong gusts prompt wind, surf and small craft advisories
This composite satellite image taken at about noon Sunday shows clouds and showers being blown over the state by strong trade winds.
Blustery Easter trade winds of 20 to 35 mph, with localized gusts over 50 mph, are expected to continue through Monday evening.
The waves are also kicking up surf on east shores, prompting a high surf advisory through 6 p.m. Tuesday. Surf of 5 to 8 feet is expected Sunday, rising to 6 to 9 feet on east shores of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island.
The high wind advisory is in effect for all islands until 6 p.m. Monday.
A small craft advisory is also in effect for Hawaiian waters until 6 p.m. Monday.
The winds will bring some windward and mauka showers that could blow over to leeward areas.
The windy conditions should moderate by midweek, but will still remain breezy.
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The strongest winds on Oahu are expected in the lee areas next to the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges.
In Maui County, winds will be concentrated over Lanai, Kahoolawe, the West Maui mountains and Central Valley.
Winds will be strongest in the leeward Kohala area, the Waimea to Kawaihae corridor, the western Saddle Road area, near Volcano National Park and South Point on the Big island, forecasters said.
The strong winds can bring down tree branches and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Hawaiian Electric Co. said no wind-related outages were reported as of noon Sunday.
