Updated at 11:34 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2007

Wind advisory for O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i

Advertiser Staff

The strong winds made for choppy waves off Kuhio Beach that kept most out of the water. One person, however, decided to walk on the outside of the breakwater. BRUCE ASATO I The Honolulu Advertiser

Localized winds of more than 60 mph on O'ahu's Makua Ridge and gusts of 40 mph to 45 mph at Schofield Barracks and in Lihu'e prompted the National Weather Service this morning to issue a wind advisory through midnight for the state's smaller islands, including O'ahu, Kaua'i and Maui.

At the same time, Weather Service officials downgraded an existing high-wind warning on Big Island summits to a wind advisory, which also would remain in effect through midnight.

Winds will be strongest on the north- and east-facing slopes of mountain ranges, such as the Windward sections of O'ahu and Kaua'i, Weather Service officials said.

A wind advisory means to expect strong winds of 30 mph with frequent gusts of greater than 50 mph. These winds can cause local power outages, down tree limbs and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, officials said.