Posted on: Wednesday, January 16, 2002

Hunker down for blustery weather

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The balmy weather of the past few days is expected to be blown away by gusty winds and rain starting today, weather forecasters say.

Residents should notice a change in weather today, as the tradewinds that have been absent recently begin to pick up, National Weather Service lead forecaster Roy Matsuda said. By tomorrow, the winds will be in the 20-35 mph range, with gale-force winds of 40 mph or higher in the valleys and higher elevations, he said.

The strong winds will be accompanied by showers, with the possibility of thundershowers, and cooler temperatures.

Matsuda said the weather is typical for winter in Hawai'i. A strong high-pressure system off the Pacific Northwest has drifted closer to the Islands, causing the stronger winds, he said.

"That's the tradewind mother that's responsible for Hawai'i's tradewinds," Matsuda said. "It's quite strong and when it gets closer it'll do its thing."

Matsuda advised residents to be prepared for the weather change, which could result in downed power lines and wind-related damage. But he said conditions should begin to improve Sunday.

"We have most of our rainfall during the winter months, but it comes in buckets, and between the buckets it's quite nice," he said.