Hawaii Island Weather Update for December 20th, 2019
Notice Level: Urgent (Update Required/Action Required)
The Island of Hawaii remains under a High Wind Warning until 6:00 pm Saturday evening (December 21st). Initially issued as an Advisory, however, it was since upgraded to a Wind Warning as of 3:00 pm Friday afternoon.
Winds of 25 to 35 mph with stronger gusts up to 60 MPH in some areas are expected over the next couple of days.
No Road Closures related to the weather or any outages (power, water, telephone, cable) have been reported related to the weather conditions. Should any arise, we will provide an update on our page as it becomes available.
Due to the High Wind Warning: Hele-On Bus is canceling the Hele-On route 7:15 p.m. Hilo to South Kohala and the 11:05 p.m. return tonight. Mass Transit Agency is making notifications to the South Kohala Resorts, as many hotel employees will be affected by the cancellation. Agency is currently evaluating if any additional routes will be canceled, we will provide an update as they become available.
Everyone is asked to secure loose objects such as outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans, etc. and have emergency supplies on hand in the event power or water outages should occur.
HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST SATURDAY...
WIND ADVISORY IS CANCELLED * WHAT...East to northeast winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph tonight and Saturday. * WHERE...Portions of Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu and the Big Island. * WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds, including downed trees and power lines. Sporadic power outages are likely. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS A high wind warning means that winds are expected to be at least 40 mph with gusts over 60 mph. Stay away from downed power lines.
The strongest gust recorded as of 3:00 pm Friday afternoon (December 20th) is as follows:
Kohala Ranch: 46 MPH
Kohala Estates: 42 MPH
Puako: 28 MPH
Kapa'au: 22 MPH
Kamuela (Waimea): 22 MPH
Hale Pohaku: 21 MPH
Ocean View: 20 MPH
Update from the Mass Transit Agency (Hele-On Bus):
Due to the high wind warning expected at 6:00 p.m. tonight, December 20, the Mass Transit Agency is canceling the Hele-On route 7:15 p.m. Hilo to South Kohala and the 11:05 p.m. return tonight.
The forecast from the National Weather Service calls for sustained winds of at least 40 mph, with gusts over 60 mph overnight and into Saturday, December 21.
The Mass Transit Agency is contacting several hotels in South Kohala regarding the cancellations, because many hotel employees may be affected. The Agency is reviewing whether any additional routes will be canceled today or tomorrow.