A high wind warning remains in effect for areas of Hawaii Island through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Strong northeasterly winds will blanket the state through Sunday afternoon before gradually subsiding, according to National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu. The winds will accelerate down leeward slopes, over ridges and through passes of the mountains producing very powerful gusts.
The forecasters are calling for northeast winds around 30 mph to 45 mph with localized gusts reaching 60 mph for areas of West, North and East Hawaii. The strongest winds will be focused in the leeward Kohala area, the Waimea to Kawaihae corridor, western Saddle areas, and north Kona, according to the service.
The service noted the following areas in the advisory: Kailua-Kona, Milolii, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Waimea and Waikoloa.
Winds this strong can result in damage to roofs, broken and falling branches, downed trees, downed utility poles and power lines resulting in power interruptions, according to forecasters. Residents are advised to properly secure outdoor items and trim older and weaker tree branches.
A high wind warning means that winds are expected to be at least 40 mph with gusts topping 60 mph.