A wind advisory remain in effect for portions of Hawaii Island through early Saturday.
High pressure strengthening far northeast of the state will produce strong and gusty trades beginning late Thursday and continuing through Friday. Trade winds are expected to gradually weaken over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service, which currently expects to drop the advisory at 6 a.m. Saturday.
East-northeast winds of 20 mph to 35 mph with localized gusts reaching 50 mph are forecast for the southern, northern, eastern and Kohala areas of Hawaii Island. Specific locations noted in the advisory were Kohala, South Point, Pahala, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Waimea, and Waikoloa.
Forecasters cautioned that winds this strong are capable of downing tents or other temporary structures, as well as downing trees and causing power outages.